Page 92 of Gilded Saint

“Others who also want stability.”

“You sure about that?”

“Nick, I am your friend. I’d die protecting you.” Speak the truth when possible.

He leans against the tree. “Funny thing. I believe you.”

I’ve no idea if that’s sarcasm or honesty.

“Who?” he asks.

“Can’t say.”

“Out here you can.” He gestures to the forest. “Only me and the gods to hear you.”

“What about Willow?”

He narrows his eyes. Twirls the knife like a baton. “That’s what you’re worried about, eh? Your arrangement?”

Depending on his answer, I might need to kill him. If that’s the case, I’ll need to do it out here. Away from his security. We’ll need to leave before anyone misses him.

“Tell you what. Friend.” He snarls that last word. This won’t go well. “How about I promise your lady love’s safety?”

How could I trust you?It’s on the tip of my tongue, but if I pursue that angle, we’re at a stalemate.

“You trusted me with Lina. I’ll trust you with Willow.” An eye for an eye. It’s a language he comprehends.

He chuckles. “An arrangement, my ass.”

My fingers stretch. On the ready.

He raises the knife.

I hold my hands up in a defensive posture. “I don’t want to fight you. Work with us. The goals are the same. In essence.”

“Go on.”

“It’s an unofficial group.” It’s the truth. “Doesn’t appear on paper.”

“One of those CIA jobs, eh? Designed to fly outside of Intelligence Committee awareness?”

No need to confirm or deny.

“Bloody Americans.” He spits and kicks at the spot on the ground. “Goal?”

“Intel.” That’s obvious. “But, Nick, the sands are shifting. There’re cracks in the alliance. Activities aren’t adding up. Those ships. That’s strengthening Russia. That’s not what you want either.”

Putin killed his parents. Nick skirts international law, but we share enemies.

“There’s no leaving the alliance. You know that.”

“Wouldn’t want you to leave. Work with us.”

“What would I get?”

“A partner.” He scowls. “When you want them,” I add.

That’s what every asset is– an opportune partner. Information is shared when it’s mutually beneficial.

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