Page 197 of Remnants: Disruption
“That you’re working with Darkrend and Bloody Mary,” Blair’s voice comes out sort of monotone like Azazel’s. Their comedically wide eyes are stuck on Cass. “That you killed Roberts and that you’re trying to exterminate the humans in New Chicago.”
“Well,” I huff out in a surprised laugh. “Iamworking with Bloody Mary. I did not kill Roberts, and we Remnants are simply protecting our own. As for Darkrend—”
“Darkrend killed my entire family, slaughtered my people, and was the one who Inflicted me,” Cass says, Romanian accent very clear now. “I would personally like to crack his skull open, but I will settle for total annihilation of his forces and power.”
Blair’s jaw works wordlessly before snapping shut with a click. “Okay. Alright.”
“Just like that?” I ask, and Blair nods.
“I didn’t exactly believe them, but I—” their eyes find Cass again. “I just didn’t expect any of them to be true.”
“Well,” I say, giving Cass a small smile. “We’re more than partners in this little war.”
Cass rolls her gorgeous eyes before pressing a soft kiss to the corner of my mouth. Chaste, but God it curls my toes.
“Oh, you’retogethertogether,” Blair says, nodding a lot and looking like they might faint. “Of course you are. You would be.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I laugh out, but Blair waves their hand.
“Look, I came here to try and meet with someone because I thought I might have info they needed. The NCPD wasn’t listening to me and I—”
I finally close the gap between us and wrap my hands around their shoulders. “Breathe, Blair. What did you find?”
“Percy’s arm,” they nod quickly. “You know how it was done by a Cogsmith?”
I nod, knowing she’d gone to some older bionics doctor. Blair was one themselves, but it was more like a hobby than something they actually practiced. The list of Blair’s achievements was probably endless.
“She went to one that didn’t use the same type of tracking software. A lot of them use Affliction-based stuff, but hers was the old analog type–so I refitted my software for it. I have no idea why she’d use it, but—”
“That was just how she was. Old school,” I shrug, remembering the file folders. Cass huffs a short breath, and I give her a soft smile. “Also, I like jealously on you. It’s hot.”
Cass’ dour look flickers before she redirects her eyes on Blair.
“So?” I ask, and the doctor nods again, quicker.
“I remember not seeing it at the funeral, but no one seemed to care. It was bothering me, so I finally tracked it down.” Blair points at the building behind them. “It’s here.”
“Fuck,” I breathe out, staring up again at the huge building. “It had felt I was forgetting something. Like I needed to do one final task. Like—”
“Unfinished business,” Cass finishes, her own eyes trained on the building.
“Get to the border, Blair,” I say, squeezing their shoulders tightly. “Get there and ask for Azazel. Tell them that Arya needs you safe and if they get all weird about it, tell them I’ll draw a fake mustache on their mask.”
“You—” Blair’s frown deepens. “You want me to tell Azazel the Red Mage that you’ll draw on their mask?”
“Only if they refuse,” I nod, clapping their shoulders. “Now go. Do you have a specific floor?”
Blair shakes their head, face falling. “I only know it’s here. I was going to… I don’t know. Try to tell authorities?”
I nod, knowing they were only doing what they could. “Omen took it. Which means Omen, Darkrend, and Roberts are all connected. And weneedto figure out how.”
Blair nods, frizzy hair bouncing. “I’ll go. I’m glad you’re not the bad type of terrorist.”
They pause before Cass, looking like they might literally kneel. “Take care of her. She’s a good person.”
Cass’ icy exterior melts a little and she nods. “I love her with my entire soul. Where she goes, I go.”
Blair turns to go, but Cass’ hand comes down on their shoulder. “Let me, child.”
