Page 110 of Sinner's Salvation

A man stepped out into the meagre light, moving toward them. After a few seconds, Evan could make out the other man’s face. “Good to see you, Major.”

Major Marek nodded and continued closer until he was about six feet away. “Gunn, ma’am,” he said. He studied them for several moments, then said, “I have to say, the last couple of days have been pretty damned interesting.” He smiled. “Had I known who Ledger had gotten his hands on, I would have sent more than one man to assess the situation.” Marek shook his head and addressed Evan. “I put you in a bad situation involving an idiot. I’m sorry.”

“What do you know about me?” Anna asked.

“I know you’re the head of a powerful European family and a government official. You have an amazing number of contacts in governments all over the world. You have some serious martial arts training and you’ve been alive a lot longer than should be possible.”

Evan tried to hide his reaction to that bit of news, but Marek’s gaze tracked his every move.

“My apologies for taking so long to get all my ducks in a row,” the major said. “But we couldn’t have this conversation until I had all my people and resources in place.”

“What conversation is that?” Anna asked.

“The one where I explain that Gunn and I have something in common.” Marek winked at him. “My grandfather and great uncle were in the Ghost Army during World War II along with his grandfather.”

“What were their names?” she asked.

“You wouldn’t recognize them. They didn’t work directly with you, but they knew Gunn’s grandfather and were close enough to see you do things that no regular human being could do.”

She grunted. “Good grief. How many people know?”

“I’m not quite sure of the number, but we’re sprinkled throughout the Federal government, military, and a few other alphabet agencies.”

“So, Ledger found out by mistake?” Evan asked.

“No, we think those two Italian bastards ratted Anna out.”

“We?” Evan asked.

“All of us in the know. Thank you, by the way, for taking those assholes out. We were considering bringing in some heavy artillery until you cut off their heads. New York should throw you a parade for saving their subway.” He grinned at her.

“You’re welcome.” Anna tilted her head to one side. “What do you want?”

Marek glanced between Anna and Evan a couple of times. “First, I need to know if you two are a unit or if this—” he waved his hand between them. “Is just a situational thing.”

“We’re a unit,” Evan said, immediately. “We stay together.”

Marek glanced at Anna, and she nodded.

“Okay,” the major said. “In that case, the first order of business is to get you out of here and somewhere more comfortable where we can talk.”

“I will need clothing,” Anna said. “I am covered in blood.”

Marek nodded. “It’s coming, but it’ll take a few minutes.” He looked at Evan and raised an eyebrow.

“Hey, all I needed to do is show people my sign.”

“Your what?” Marek asked.

“Myget your photo with a soldier $10sign. I made some serious cash with that thing.”

“New York is a strange city,” Anna muttered.

The major just shook his head. Something on his person beeped. He pulled out a phone and looked at it.

“Wait here. I’ll be back.” Marek stood and walked in the direction he’d come from.

“So many people know,” she said, worry in her tone. “Too many.”

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