Page 203 of Fractured Allegiance
"Why would he?" I ask.
Drazen studies me. "That's what I'm trying to determine."
He crosses the room, stops a few feet from me. Too close. But not close enough to be overtly threatening.
He watches me for a long moment. Then: "Lydia. I really hope you told the truth yesterday, about the leak, because if I find out you're lying, it won't just be you who pays for it."
The threat is clear.
He steps back, smooths his jacket. "You're free to move around the suite. There's a library just down the hall—feel free to stretch your legs. But don't test the boundaries. My men have orders."
"Understood."
"Good." He walks to the door, pauses. "Breakfast will be brought to you shortly. After that, someone will come for you. We have matters to discuss."
He leaves.
The door closes with a click.
And I'm alone again.
After a while, I move to the door. Press my hand against it.
Silas is not out there anymore.
The energy has shifted. Different guard. Different shift.
Which means he’s gone.
And I don't know if I'll see him again.
My throat tightens.
Twenty minutes later, a guard brings breakfast.
Not Silas. A different man. Older. Thicker build. He sets the tray on the table without a word and leaves.
I don't touch the food.
Instead, I move to the door. Open it slightly.
A guard is posted outside. Young. Nervous. His eyes flick to me, then away.
Not Silas.
Which means Silas was dismissed this morning when Drazen arrived.
I close the door.
And I start planning.
An hour later, I can't sit still anymore.
I need to move. Need to see what I'm working with.
Drazen said I could go to the library.
Fine.
