Page 65 of Pride
Alice nodded. “We always knew Julius had overseas investors, but since our resources don’t extend further than this continent, we couldn’t get information other than that.”
“And the Vatican?” he asked. “You said they now know about the Sisterhood.”
Alice straightened, suddenly aware of her scars pulling on her back. “They were original investors of your creation, but, as I’m sure Mary has told you, that all changed after she stole you—”
“Freed us,” Liza corrected.
“Yes.” Alice blushed. “The Sisterhood acknowledges and accepts that. We understand the part the Sisterhood played—”
“You mean the part where you wanted to kill children?” Wyatt’s dark brows lowered as he folded his arms, pushing his biceps out.
Alice planted her feet. “For the record, the Sisterhood isn’t what it used to be. I was only the same age as some of you when that all went down. Since I joined the Sisterhood, since the Vatican learned of our existence, things have been different.”
The weight of scrutiny settled on her, but how could she tell them how the Sisterhood had changed? How could she explain the scars on her back, or the Sinners’ penance, or the constant disgust from the clergy? Yes, the Sisterhood had changed, but Alice wasn’t sure that was an entirely good thing.
She wiped clammy palms on her thighs and gave a pointed look at the maps they’d been pouring over. “Six locations?”
Parker stared at her a moment longer before gesturing at the maps. “Evan and Griffin flew to Norway to investigate the first location, and we need teams to gather intel on the others. If they’re truly what we think they are, then we can strike simultaneously and destroy them all. We can even strike remotely if we’re smart enough to set it up properly.”
“I can provide a Sinner as backup for each location scout.” The slight lowering of Parker’s shoulders made Alice think that was exactly what he’d hoped for. “Six locations, two team members at a minimum, and one of them should be powered to provide a tactical advantage.”
More than one family member raised a brow, probably waiting for Parker to cut down her assertiveness. But he nodded, thoughtful.
“You and I will take Columbia,” he said. “Wyatt will take Asia. Evan can go back to Norway and conduct a thorough final sweep now that we have a plan. Sloan can go to Australia. Tony to Ireland. Liza to Africa. If a Sinner goes with each, then they can all search for your missing agent as well as provide backup.”
“I want to go with Sloan,” Max said, his Australian accent thick. “I know my way around. I’m ex-military. Why not use me?”
“Fine,” Parker said. “You go with Sloan, but a Sinner will have to accompany you too.”
“But we need you here,” Wyatt said to Max. “Running Nightingale with Bailey and protecting our mates.”
Parker shook his head. “It’s highly unlikely the Syndicate will try to kidnap them again. They’re all preparing for their big reveal. That was the whole reason Julius took Daisy—he’s in a rush. He doesn’t have time to start his research over.”
“I disagree,” Griffin said, making a pointed look at Parker’s yin-yang tattoo. Somehow, even when they’d touched overnight, the tattoo turned heavily black. “That’s your pride talking. Lilo is still in danger, and will be until the Syndicate is destroyed.”
“That’s why I’m allowing you to remain in Cardinal City,” Parker said, his tone tight.
“You’reallowingme?” Griffin’s eyes narrowed behind his spectacles.
“Yes.” Parker closed the laptop. “You’ll each have access to the new AIMI via satellite. It’s a reconnaissance mission. If anyone learns of the missing Sinner, or Daisy, and you can’t safely infiltrate, then do not engage. Call for backup. Alice will book appropriate travel for tonight. I suggest everyone use this time to prepare.”
Alice’s brows went sky high. That may have been how things worked when she was his simple assistant, but now they were equals. Sensing her ire, he glanced at her and paused. She said nothing. Just waited.
“Please,” Parker gritted out.
“Since you asked so nicely, sure.” She gave him a sweet smile. “I’ll need to borrow your phone.”
“Ourphone.”
“Aww, dawg, good luck with that.” Sloan thumped Parker on the back, grinning, then grabbed Max’s hand and started for the door, scoffing under her breath. “Dude’s finally got some manners.”
“Fly out tonight,” Parker called after them. “Be ready.”
“Wait,” Alice said, stopping everyone as they turned to leave. She met Parker’s eyes. “You haven’t told them about—”
“It’s a non event,” he insisted, jaw tight.
Fine. Don’t tell them your identity was compromised,she said with her eyes.See what keeping secrets gets you!
