The Protectors Series Bundle - By Nana Malone Page 0,94
call Jared home.”
Symone let out a sigh of relief as Garrettbegan to stir. Cassie chewed on her bottom lip as she turned her attention to the still hovering Garrett. His body was closer to the floor now, but he still looked awkward suspended in mid-air. “So what’s the play now? Are they expecting to hear from you? When do you have to report in?”
As Garrett spoke, he didn’t take his eyes off Symone. “I normally report in every two days. Last communication was last night. When I didn’t rendezvous, they sent others after me. I have to go back though. He has my brother.”
Cassie blew her bangs out of her face. “Fantastic.”
Another pang ripped through Symone as she was reminded that he’d chosen her life over flesh and blood. “We need to shut Peter down, Cass. He’ll just keep coming. And not just after me, but the others too. Alex, Morgan.” Symone shook her head. “We’re not safe while he’s out there. I don’t know how he found me, but it won’t be long before they find Jared for sure if he’s out on his own.” She glanced at Garrett, whose deep set eyes bored through her to her soul. “He saved my life. I owe him one. We should help him get his brother back. It’s a good shot at taking Peter out for good.”
Cassie glanced up at Garrett. “So, what do you suggest we do with him?”
Symone frowned. “He can be an asset. You can tell better than I can that he’s telling the truth. The only thing I worry about is if Peter’s manipulating him some way.”
Cassie stared at Garrett, and by the look on her friend’s face, Symone got the impression something was supposed to be happening. After a moment or two, Cassie shook her head. “I can’t let you just walk out of here.” She slid a glance in Symone’s direction. “Supposed ally or not, you’re still one of his men. They’ll come looking for you eventually. If not to rescue you, then to kill you. And you can be sure he’ll get our location out of you before he does.”
Garrett finally drifted to the bed and shut his eyes as he exhaled. Symone hoped the pain was abating. His voice still sounded hoarse when he spoke though. “So what? You’re going to keep me tied up in the basement forever?”
“I can try and wipe the memory of Symone and this place from your mind. But I’ll need your permission to do so. Otherwise it’ll be too unpleasant for both of us.”
His memories? Symone darted a glance at him before studiously fixing her gaze on the frayed corner of the rug. She set her jaw and slumped her shoulders. She knew the despair was futile, but she couldn’t help the rush of it.
“And by wipe my memory, you mean, I won’t remember coming here. Won’t remember Symone?”
Cassie nodded. “I can try and erase your past with the Trackers if you want, but they’ll come for you one day, and I don’t want you caught unawares. It’ll be a death sentence. And you need to go back for your brother. You’re telling the truth from what I can see, but I cannot risk my team to help you.”
“And what if neither of those options sounds good to me? You going to force my hand?”
Cassie stopped leaning against the desk and rose to her full height of five feet. “I can’t force you, but you know that every minute you’re here puts Symone in danger, puts us all in danger. Would you rather have her killed?”
Garrett set his jaw. “Fuck no. But she had a point. I know the location of the compound where the team last was. You could strike. We could strike. Neutralize the threat. I’m not running. But I don’t want Symone in danger. The rest of you…” He smirked down at Jansen. “Are not my concern. But I need help getting my brother out.” He exhaled. “He’s just a kid. Not much older than some of you when you were taken. I can’t just leave him there with that nut job.”
Jansen used his still trembling hands to push himself into a sitting position. “Cass, it’s a trap. You know he can’t be trusted. He’s trying to get us all killed.”
Cassie and Seth stared at each other for a full minute. Symone knew them well enough to know they were having a full-fledged conversation.
When Cassie spoke again, she addressed Garrett. “Can you get us