Page 97 of Now or Never
Don’t say it.
“I’m your father, Kenna.”
Her stomach clenched.I don’t think so.“That sounds familiar. Where have I heard that?” She tapped her chin with one finger. “Right. You tried to kill him with that limo bomb so you could take over asImperatoris. Which I believe is against the rules, isn’t it?”
“I make my own rules.” He spread his hands, indicating the kingdom he reigned over. But she spotted a slight question in his gaze.
Which made her wonder who really set the bomb. “Sometimes the best thing we can do in life is realize how small and insignificant we are. In the grand scheme of the world and all human history, we’re just a speck.”
Zeyla had reached for another piece of toast. Probably cold now, which Kenna thought always tasted nasty. She frowned at Kenna, as if astounded by her statement.
“That is not the way ofDominatus,” the general said. “We are all of human history. And your grand scheme.”
Kenna shook her head. “Wearen’t going to play along with whatever this is. You people need to stop trying to ruin my life.”
“You don’t know what you are.” His gaze drifted to Zeyla, as if she was responsible somehow. “You still fail to understand the significance this child represents.”
“I don’t care who you think she is.” She looked from him to Zeyla. “Any of you.”
The general said, “That child will start a war. But it’s one I am prepared to fight.” He slapped the gold buttons on his chest.
“Fight amongst yourselves,” Jax said. “It has nothing to do with us.”
Kenna nodded. “All of you need to leave us alone.”
She wanted desperately to walk out of here. With all of them—Jax and Zeyla, Ramon and Bruce. Where was Amara? If Kenna, or one of them, could get to a computer terminal and enter a back door for Maizie to hack their system, they could spill all ofDominatus’ secrets on the internet for the world to see. Exposing everything would allow people with integrity to eliminate those in power for their own selfish gain. Charges would be brought, corruption extinguished, and the world would move on in the fallout.
A young man, probably midtwenties, strode in wearing a crisp uniform. He bent and whispered in the general’s ear.
“Excellent.” The general nodded, and the man gave a salute. “Our other guests are here.”
People around them cleared plates, bringing additional chairs to the table. Zeyla hopped up and picked up another mug. “Jax, want some coffee?”
“Fine.” He sounded about as happy with this situation as Kenna.
Outside she heard the heavy beat of helicopter rotors, although the sound was much quieter in here than it would be if they were in the open air. She wanted this to be the cavalry. Were they about to get rescued? Should she excuse herself to the bathroom and find a computer?
Jax slid out his phone, his breathing choppy. She couldn’t imagine how much his chest and his head hurt. He tapped on the screen, then looked at her and mouthed,No signal.
Kenna prayed that wasn’t a hurdle for Maizie, or anyone else looking for them. Then she prayed Amara would be victorious in whatever she was doing, imagining all kinds of sabotage that made Kenna feel better.
Moments later, with additional seats at the table, the doors opened again.
When Kenna turned in the chair, moving her knees to the side, she spotted Ramon and Bruce on one wall sitting on the floor. Both of them looked unhappy to say the least, but they were standing down right now. Letting this situation play out.
Two Secret Service agents entered, took up flanking positions on either side of the door, and stood at attention. The president came next, followed by Petyr and his entourage of people in office attire. Their footsteps echoed up to the ceiling as they walked down the aisle to the table. Secret Service agents fanned out, and a couple of aides stood to one side. One had an iPad—did it work here? That might help.
“Major General Schnell.” The president seemed annoyed, but she pulled out her own chair and sat on Jax’s left.
Petyr went to the right and found a chair on the other side of Zeyla.
“My esteemed colleagues,” Schnell began.
“Just get to the point,” Petyr cut in. “We’re here to sign the treaty, not listen to you drone on.”
“Very well.” Schnell stood.
Kenna glanced between them, leaning forward in her chair to look at the president. Then, turning to Petyr, she opened her hands. “Why are we here?”
