Page 84 of Defiance
Chapter 13
“Smith’ll come for you at 7.15 tonight. This is your HRU uniform. Wear it.” Paul handed Cole a small duffle bag, which was surprisingly heavy for just a uniform. “All of it,” he added, then walked off to talk to other members of the team.
Cole scoffed. “Does he think I’m going to forget the trousers or something?” He thought he’d muttered it quietly enough, but Smith sauntered over, eyebrow raised.
“There are weapons in there too. HRU standard issue. That’s what he meant.” He clapped Cole on the shoulder. “See you tonight.”
Logan had moved imperceptibly closer during their exchange. Most people wouldn’t notice, but Cole did.
There were so many things he wanted to say to him, but as usual, he had to bite his tongue. “Come on. I need to get back and eat something before tonight.”
They walked most of the way back in silence. Cole was pretty sure they were all thinking about the same thing. He hadn’t been able to focus on much else since Smith had told him on Wednesday.
Thinking about Wednesday, of course, reminded him of what else had happened that day. In their brief moments alone, Logan had assured him he was fine and that in no way did he blame Cole for any of it. But Cole felt guilty nonetheless.
He might have been following Paul’s orders, but he’d been the one to inject Logan with that fucking stuff. The image of Logan caught in agony was burnt into his mind. He’d had nightmares about it more than once.
Not that he’d told Logan that.
They walked outside, through the small space that had become part of their daily walk to and from the training centre. It was Cole’s favourite part of the day.
Logan grabbed him and pulled him into his arms.
“Logan!”
“No one can see us just here.” Logan cupped his jaw, thumbs running along his cheekbones. “I need a moment.Please.”
Cole folded against him, kissing Logan as hard as he kissed him.
“Be careful tonight,” Logan whispered. “Don’t take any chances. It doesn’t matter if we have to wait months for another opportunity.” He kissed him again. “Be safe.”
“I’ll try.” It was the best Cole could offer.
“Come on.” Aaron nudged them both. “We need to get moving.”
Reluctantly Cole stepped away, the warmth of Logan’s kiss still on his lips. “Okay.”
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Only when they reached the door to Cole’s flat did Logan speak.
“There’s no training till tomorrow afternoon, so we’ll be here at two o’clock to get you.”
“All right.” Cole waited for them to open the door and stepped inside.
They had no reason to follow.
None that anyone watching wouldn’t think odd.
“Good luck tonight,” Logan said, his eyes searching Cole’s face for something.
“Thanks.” Cole hoped he couldn’t see how fucking terrified he was about going out on a raid. He forced himself to smile. “See you tomorrow.”
Shutting the door, he leant against it and closed his eyes.
Someone could be watching.
He couldn’t even silently freak out for a second without fear of someone seeing.
Fucking cameras.
