Page 58 of The Last Strike

“She must be a saint,” Asher said, wondering how their marriage operated with the many challenges they surely faced.

“She is,” James responded without hesitation, and he didn’t say anything else as they walked.

They passed the kitchen and Asher found himself tensing as they passed the dining room. He knew she would see him go by, but with her mother and so many guards around, it was not a conversation he wanted to have, so he kept walking.

He didn’t feel good about it, though. As soon as they were in the car, Asher drew his phone and sent Abi a message:I need to go look at something. I’ll be back in a few hours.

He looked at his screen, waiting for a response that didn’t come. He was halfway to the ruins when he gave up and tucked his phone back into his pocket.

When they pulled up, Asher checked his phone again.

Nothing.

The pit of his stomach churned but he didn’t have time to think about it right now.

His car door opened and security escorted him away from the tunnel entrance.

“We’re going to enter from the distant end,” James explained, falling into step beside him. “I had an idea to create an additional entrance, but I wanted to run it past you first.”

“Sure,” Asher said, grateful for the warm bask of the Santinian sun that always helped to ease his soul.

“Note this boulder here,” James said, pointing to Asher’s left. “I’ll show you this location underground.”

Asher nodded. He’d spent much time in the tunnels, but even he couldn’t imagine how James was going to create an additional entrance.

They stopped at what looked like a trap door and Asher waited as two security guards went in first. Asher followed with James right behind him.

Asher descended the ladder into darkness. It took his eyes a few moments to adjust to the dimly lit tunnels. The lanterns on the walls were the only things guiding them forward. At length, they walked out to the swimming hole and Asher was bombarded with fleeting memories of his first date here with Abi.

“You okay?” James asked.

Asher realized he’d stopped walking. “Fine.” He waved his hand dismissively and started walking again.

“So, in terms of the tunnels, this is what I’m thinking,” James said as they continued on. “We’re going to alter the lanterns so they lead Khalil in the direction we want him to go, which is to the swimming hole. It’s the largest underground opening, and it’s the feature always shown in the media, so he will be familiar with it and won’t necessarily feel like he’s being led into an unknown tunnel to be ambushed.”

Asher nodded.

“You will wait for him here,” James said, pointing to the custodial stone. “I will be here,” he said, pointing to another location, “and then up there, in the dark, I’m going to suspend men from the ceiling. It’ll act much like a spider web. Khalil will not be able to react fast enough to do much damage. I think it’s the safest option we have. Afterward, we’ll move out in the fastest manner possible, which will be the additional exit ... here,” James said as he resumed walking.

Asher rushed to keep up with him. He stopped at a ladder, which was clearly a new addition evidenced by its freshly shining metal. “This can be ramped up, which means more men out faster than a ladder. It would be a much-preferred exit.”

Asher nodded as he looked over his shoulder at the swimming hole.

The Lithe Ruins had been an honored holy site. Alistair had ruined that when he’d attempted to sell it, Adani had ruined that when they’d attacked it, and now Asher was planning to commit regicide within it.

He chewed on his cheek, suddenly less keen on this location—but if they could secure its airspace, Asher had to admit he had the advantage in the ruins.

He sighed, wondering if he’d be able to sleep with this decision. With every step he took away from the ruins, the turmoil in his heart grew.

Abi

Abi turned her engagement ring on her finger. Asher hadn’t come to bed last night and he’d walked straight past her this morning. She sighed, burying her face in her hands. She’d tried to sleep last night, but every time she closed her eyes she saw the look in his eyes when she’d said she wouldn’t marry him. It wasn’t just heartbreak, it was ... betrayal.

She squeezed her eyes shut. She would do anything to protect him, but she knew she hadn’t handled that well. She also knew she had to learn that she didn’t need to protect him.

She shook her head as she chewed on her lip.

Where was he? What was he doing?

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