Page 31 of Finding Lexie
“Even good kids can get led astray by the prospect of money,” Midas said.
“I know.”
She didn’t say anything else, and Midas didn’t press his point. They walked to the end of the alley and when Midas peered out into the street, it was empty. He quickly followed Shermake’s directions and within five minutes, he saw the best sight he’d seen in hours.
Five shapes appeared out of the shadows. Shapes Midas recognized.
“About time you decided to join us,” Aleck joked.
“Shit, Midas, you been taking a nap somewhere or what?” Pid asked.
“Fucking radios, we need to trash these and get new ones,” Slate complained.
“You two all right?” Mustang asked.
“Jesus, what did you do to her, Midas? She looks like she’s been through the wringer,” Slate said.
“You should see the other guy,” Lexie deadpanned.
Everyone chuckled, and the tension in the air lessened tenfold.
Midas was relieved that she didn’t get offended by Slate’s comment. So far she’d taken literally everything in stride, and it was amazing, really. But no matter how well Lexie seemed to be holding up, she’d most likely crash at some point. She’d been through hell, and while she was coping remarkably well, he had a feeling when she had a moment to herself, to reflect on all that had happened, she’d crumble.
“We getting out of here or what? Where’d you and the Jaeger Corps stash Dagmar? Let’s get them and get the fuck out of here already,” Midas said.
Silence fell—and Midas mentally swore.
“What? Did they already leave?” Lexie asked, looking at everyone in confusion.
For the first time since they’d left the hospital, Midas put the strap of his rifle around his head and arm, resting the weapon on his back. He didn’t need to keep it at the ready, his team would protect both him and Lexie.
He put his arm around Lexie and pulled her into his side even as Mustang broke the news. “He didn’t make it. I’m so sorry, Lexie.”
“What?” she asked in a shocked whisper.
“When the explosives went off at the hospital, he had a massive heart attack. He didn’t make it.”
“No,” she whispered, shaking her head. “He was okay. I mean, I knew he was sick, but he was talking. He was fine.”
“He had a stroke in the desert, like you guessed. His heart was too weak to take any more stress. When the kidnappers found out he was dead, and that you’d slipped through their fingers, they ran off to hunt you down. The Jaeger Corps left a few hours ago with his body. They’re heading to Italy, and then on to Denmark,” Mustang said.
Lexie’s chin dropped to her chest and she sighed deeply. She stood with her arms at her sides as Midas hugged her against him. “Lex?” he asked.
“I’m okay,” she said softly. “I just can’t imagine what his brother will think. I guess they were really close. It sucks that he was actually rescued, only to die before he could get home.”
“I’m sure Magnus Brander would appreciate your condolences once we get you somewhere safe,” Jag said.
“Yeah,” Lexie said with a nod, but Midas could tell she was lost in her own head.
“Come on,” he said. “Let’s get the hell out of here, yeah?”
“Fine by me,” Pid said.
“Just been waiting on you,” Slate said with a small smirk.
Midas knew his friends were teasing. It was obvious they’d been worried.
“How’d you find us, anyway?” Mustang asked.
