Page 42 of Forgotten Promise

“They keyholders are gathering in Oahu,” Franco said. “And you sent people to protect them and the temporary headquarters.”

“A counselor needs to go there, for continuity,” Rose said. “To be with the new Grand Master.”

“Not the new Grand Master,” Franco snapped, though a nasty little voice inside his head reminded him of that other rule, that last line in the charter document that created the keyholders. “The acting Grand Master.”

“Right,” Rose said softly. “That’s what I meant.”

“That still leaves a temporary leadership hole, and I may need someone to give the green light,” Lachlan said.

“I’ll do it.”

The voice came from Colum’s cell phone. They all turned to the Irishman. He held up the phone, turning it so they could see the screen, see that he was on a video call…

With the Fleet Admiral, Eric Ericsson.

Sebastian froze, Lachlan frowned, Rose’s expression turned sharp and predatory, and Franco…Franco wanted to laugh. If Juliette and Devon had been here, he could have laughed, but they weren’t, which meant he had to take this seriously, had to deal with the fact that the Fleet Admiral knew what was happening. Knew they were wounded and vulnerable.

“I’ll make the calls,” Eric said. “You can blame me if it’s FUBAR.”

“You are not taking over the Trinity Masters,” Rose snapped.

Lachlan casually folded his arms. “I’ve handled coups before. If he tries—”

“This isn’t a coup. I have my own pack of idiots to deal with, I don’t need additional idiots.” Eric smirked, then his expression sobered. “But it sounds like you’re under attack. I can send the MPF. They’re hunting cults and bombers, but they can be on your shores in six hours.”

“Hang up the call,” Rose snapped.

Colum didn’t react to her order.

Rose walked over, a slight smile on her face, every step calm and measured. The hair on the back of Franco’s neck stood on end. She slid up to Colum, so close to him that her body brushed his, her smiling face tipped up to his.

“May I?” Rose murmured to Colum.

“Uh…” Colum appeared to be having trouble forming a sentence with Rose in his personal space.

She slipped the phone from the Irishman’s hands, taking a half step back. She was still smiling as she spoke. “Fleet Admiral.”

“Tell Marek I said ‘hi’ and his grandmother is still the best.”

“I will, but I want you to know something.”

Across the room, Sebastian looked alarmed and started forward.

“While we appreciate the offer of help,” Rose purred, “don’t think that we’re weak.”

“I don’t, I—”

“We will not let you take us over. The Trinity Masters will not become another territory of the Masters’ Admiralty. And if you try, remember this—”

“Rose, don’t!” Sebastian lunged for her, tried to grab the phone.

Rose turned, both her body so Sebastian couldn’t grab her hand, and the phone screen so that it was facing Colum.

“Just remember,” Rose said softly. “We have a hostage. Your Archivist.”

Chapter Eleven

“I never knew my mother,” John started, swallowing deeply.

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