"Mankel's hurting people even in death." The words rang hollow, lacking the satisfaction he thought he'd feel. He was so tired of the hate. The entire past two years had been focused on finding and killing Mankel, he'd had nothing else to look forward to. Nothing except Marley.
Merc stood from his position leaning against the wall. "He doesn't have to. Reaper's team can help us locate her."
"Where is Reaper's team?" He couldn't rely on them until he figured out just exactly what they were. Mack tried to remember the details of their fight in Mankel's facility, but the pain meds were pulling him under, making his mind slow.
Hunter moved past Riser to stand at Mack's side. "We've got them locked up. A couple of the guys are watching them now."
"Good, I want at least two of you on them all times. Where is Reaper?"
Riser answered, "Waiting to talk to you."
"Send him in." Mack fisted the sheet, willing himself to stay awake. His IV dripped steadily, saturating him with meds.
Hunter nodded and turned to leave. "We'll give you some space."
"No, stay. You all need to hear this," Mack said.
Merc stuck his head through the door. A second later Reaper entered, his deadpan expression in place. "I need to see my men."
"Why?" Mack watched Reaper for any subterfuge. He wanted his team safe, but was that all? Was he planning on freeing them to escape?
"They're my men. My responsibility. I need to know they are all okay."
"Merc, come here." Mack waited on Merc to comply before continuing, "Give me a full report on his team."
Merc clasped his hands behind his back and squared his shoulders. "They are contained in a safe location. They are free to move about the room, and we are supplying them with food and water."
"They need more than that, dammit, and not from your government." Reapers cool composure slipped.
Mack tried to focus on him, but his vision was blurring. Dammit, he couldn't stay conscious much longer. Reaper wanted a reassurance that Mack wouldn't turn his men over to the government, but Mack didn't know what the hell else to do with them. They'd basically short circuited in the lab, but that was only after nearly killing Mack's entire unit with an inhuman deadly skill.
But Reaper was right. If Mack turned them over to the government, they'd be locked up and experimented on for the rest of their lives. The CIA wouldn't just draw their blood and let them go. Not men like Reaper.
Merc cleared his throat. "I have a suggestion."
"Go ahead," Mack said. He was willing to take anything right now.
"Nightshade's father left her the mansion. It's got a full underground bunker stocked for an attack. We could house his team there until we figure out how to help them."
"I'd be willing to consider that," Mack hedged. Those men were beyond helping, but he didn't say that out loud. He needed Reaper compliant for now, at least until Mack was able to think clearly. "They stay contained for now."
"Agreed, but only if I can see them," Reaper said.
"Fine. Merc, you and Hunter, take him. Keep an eye on him." His vision blurred again and Mack closed his eyes, unable to fight the pull of sleep any longer. He was so tired.
He just needed to recover and get to Marley.
32
Marley launched from the taxi and ran up the neatly trimmed sidewalk splitting her father's front yard down the middle. Before she reached the dark blue front door, it burst open and Maddie came running outside, arms open. "Mommy!"
Marley's heart swelled, her throat clenched and tears sprang to her eyes as she enveloped her daughter in her arms. Maddie's sweet smell filled Marley and she palmed her daughter's head tight against her shoulder. "I missed you so much."
Maddie giggled and pulled back, her smile fading. She reached out a tiny hand and brushed a thumb across Marley's cheek. "Why are you crying mama?"
Marley offered her daughter the best wobbly smile she could and yanked her against her chest once more. "Mommy's being silly. I'm crying because I'm happy to see you."
Her father appeared in the doorway, the weathered lines of worry around his eyes easing and Marley silently mouthed thank you over Maddie's head.
Her father gave her nod and disappeared back into the house, giving her another moment with Maddie. Careful not to crush her daughter, Marley squeezed her a little bit harder, feeling like she'd never get enough.
A pang of sadness took her off guard and she slammed her eyes shut, trying to focus only on Maddie and block out the thought Mack should've been here.