Convergence - The Last Science #2.2 - Heroes and Villains

B2: Chapter 34 - Rook Takes Knight - IV

  Jeremy had no clue what they'd told the man. Sure, they'd arrived in the plane he sent across the world, but who was he expecting to see coming out of it? Certainly not the ragged band that emerged onto the stairwell.

  He took the lead, stomping down the stairs two at a time. Behind him, Cinza followed in boots, while Makoto was only a few steps behind. Thomas Laushire's eyes narrowed as he saw Jeremy—they'd parted on less-than-amicable terms, after all. Jeremy had been fairly close to punching the man in the face out of sheer irritation (and boredom).

  "Mr. Ashe," he said curtly. "I wasn't aware you were acquainted with Mr. Wilmore." Thomas frowned. "May I ask why you were on board my jet?"

  Jeremy's mouth fell open. He doesn't even know... the fuck? Well, no wonder his wife ain't here... "Look, Mr. Laushire..." he started, but Cinza cut in, stepping in front of him.

  "Thomas Laushire, correct?" she said, extending a hand. After a brief, confused moment, he shook it. "My name is Cinza." Thomas' eyes widened with recognition—between the name and the robes, it wasn't hard to put two-and-two together, after the media circus caused by Hailey and the Diaries. "I'm sorry, but we don't have a lot of time, so you'll need to accept certain facts as I explain them to you without question. Do you understand?"

  "...Excuse me?" He sounded affronted. "I beg your pard—"

  "You have it," Cinza interrupted. "And I beg yours for what I'm about to tell you." She glanced over her shoulder, where the EMTs were emerging, carrying a stretcher. "Thomas, those men are carrying your daughter. She's alive," Cinza added quickly, as Thomas' mouth fell open. "She's currently fighting to keep someone very dear to her alive as well. We've come to rescue that person—but to do this, we need to be sure Kendra is safe and cared for."

  "Oh my God..." Thomas murmured, as Kendra's face came into view. She still had an oxygen mask strapped to her face, and the EMTs had wrapped her in a blanket to help preserve some dignity as they carried her down—or to shield her from the goddamn winter. Jesus, it's cold out. "What... What happened to her?"

  "I don't have time to explain," said Cinza firmly. "You need to protect her at all costs, Thomas. Give us a car and a driver, and take her somewhere she will be safe and cared for. These men will accompany you—" She gestured to the two EMTs, who looked like they were sincerely regretting volunteering for this little excursion. "—while we track down the people responsible for this."

  "...Who?" Thomas asked, his voice weak and shaking. He picked up his daughter's limp hand, holding it tight to his chest. "Who did this?"

  "Cornelius Malton," said Cinza. Jeremy winced, but he couldn't exactly refute her—he was just as sure Malton was responsible. Talk about throwin' lighter fluid on the damn bonfire, though...

  Thomas' eyes widened. "Cornelius...? But... why—"

  "Thomas!" Cinza snapped. "A car and a driver!"

  "Jeremy! Cinza!" shouted a new voice. Jeremy turned around to see Lani waving from across the tarmac. Oh thank God, he got my message. "I've got a car! Let's go!"

  Cinza promptly turned back to Thomas. "On second thought, focus on your daughter." She nodded to Makoto, who sprinted away toward Lani. Cinza started hurrying away as well without another word, but Jeremy hesitated just a moment.

  "...Sorry about before," he muttered.

  Thomas looked around surprised, as if he'd forgotten Jeremy was even there. "I'm sorry?"