Page 88 of Ramshackle
The mission to the first island had been a test. We rescued the kids there, as Raegan had wanted, but that wasn’t my primary goal.
We tested the skill and mettle of the Guild members who have been asking to join the fight. They passed the test for their bravery, but skills-wise left a lot to be desired. They aren’t practiced enough to fight, so we’ve had to put a hold on any further trips until Kellan can train them on how to fight against people who want to kill you. It’s not the same as their friendly squabbles here.
I also had Dane pull more data from their computers. Because I’m looking for proof of someone that I’m now convinced is still on one of these islands or is working for GE.
Raegan’s father.
The ringing stops. I almost miss it; the echo of its sound continuing in my head. But a deep drawl, one I’ve never heard before, sounds in my ear. “What the fuck do you want?”
For a second, I think I’ve fallen asleep. I shift forward to lean over my desk, making sure I’m awake and can feel the hard wood of my desk. “Who is this?” I demand.
There’s noise on the other end that I can’t place, and then I hear Elias’s voice further away. “Don’t answer my phone.” More shuffling, like the phone is being moved around, and then Thorton’s voice is loud and clear. “Adams. You don’t seem to understand the notion that someone not answering their phone means they’re busy.”
I smirk, and the sentiment carries through to my voice. “Well, you’ve answered now. I’ll keep this quick.” When he doesn’t hang up or argue, I continue, “I need your network again. Anyone taken by GE who has seen or heard of a man called Charles Whitmore.”
It’s unfortunate that I have to resort to asking Elias for this information. While I have my own resources here, they’re limited to the people in my Guild and this city.
Elias’s network is worldwide. He has a far greater reach and more gifted contacts than I’ll ever have or want.
“How urgent is this request? I’ve just finished your last one, and I have my hands full with other priorities.”
“It’s for Raegan.”
Silence. Then Elias sighs. It almost makes me wonder what the hell he’s working on that has him sounding so tired. Is it still because of Portia?
“I’ll get the word out and let you know what I hear back.”
“Raegan is also waiting for a phone call from Portia,” I remind him again.
“I haven’t forgotten. She will call. When she’s ready.”
The door to my office opens. Dane and Kellan stroll inside, closing it behind them quietly when they see I’m on the phone.
“You should worry more about your requests stacking up, Adams,” he continues.
Like I care.
“I’ll pay you whatever you want.”
“I don’t want money.”
I frown, my hand pinching the phone a little harder. “Then, what do you want?”
“Favors. I’m doing quite a bit for you right now. I hope you’ll remember that when my time comes and I call you with my own request. And, no questions asked, you’ll do it for me.”
“Fine. Just get me closer to Mr. Whitmore as soon as possible.”
Elias chuckles, and the call ends.
“What the fuck was that about?” Dane asks, moving to stand in front of my desk. Kellan hangs back against one of the bookshelves, arms crossed.
“Where’s Raegan?” I ask first. While the bunker should be secure, the threat of a potential spy and the gifted with the ability to portal makes me cautious. I’d rather one of us have an eye on her at all times to ensure she’s safe.
Kellan answers, “With Jack. He’s getting ready to leave for Thorne duty, so he’s spending time with her first.”
Relief eases a pinch of the tension coursing through me. It’s not nearly as much as I’d get by seeing her safe for myself, but I settle with what I can get for now. With that worry resolved, I return to Dane’s original question. “That was Elias. I’ve added his assistance in trying to find Raegan’s father. Have you found anything on him from the data you pulled at the last island?”
He shakes his head. “Nothing. It looks like they keep all their data siloed to each island, so unless he was on that particular island, there’s no mention of him.”
