Chapter 20 #2
“I’ve also got some performance data. Darwin’s going over it, though, he doubts he’ll be able to deduce anything usable off it.
Just more of what he saw at Hyperion before he had to bug out.
But, it gives us some snapshots. Intel for when we face those enhanced buggers again.
Because we all know we’ll be facing more of them before this is over. ”
“Which I assume means, we didn’t uncover anything that will link Ramsey back to Finch and Hyperion.”
Zadie shook her head. “Not yet. I traced the funds to a couple of numbered, offshore accounts under several shell corporations. But none of them link back to Finch.”
“So, Finch is still on the table.”
Coulter moved over. “For now. But we just eliminated his best tactical squad. And with all the fallout Gus is going to bring to Blackridge, anyone on that roster will either get booted or have an untimely accident. Finch will have to start fresh, and his next crew won’t have someone like Ramsey at the helm. It’s not a bad start.”
Wynn nodded. “And we got the men who hurt Kane and tried to kill us. That’s got to mean something.”
Neve smiled. “More than enough for now.”
Zadie started toward the door. “I’ll keep digging. I’ve got more GPS coordinates to decrypt from that hard drive Coulter grabbed. Maybe it’ll give us another location we can tie to Finch. And there’s still those patches and watch we recovered. Finch can’t hide from us forever.”
She left, Wynn following behind. Scout shifted on her feet, looking as if she wanted to say something but wasn’t quite sure.
Neve arched a brow at Coulter.
He glanced between them, then stood. “I’ll grab us some coffee. And I swear Shepherd made some kind of pie. I’ll be right back.”
Neve waited until his footsteps faded down the hall before huffing. “Okay, out with it.”
Scout crossed her arms over her chest. “Out with what?”
“Whatever’s got your panties in a twist. And don’t even try to deny it.
You’re antsy at the best of times when you’ve been stuck underground for a few days.
But I know for a fact you went on a supply run this morning, which means, you should have gotten your fix, and yet, you can’t stand still, so… spill.”
Scout toed the floor, rubbing one hand along her arm. “It’s nothing.”
“It’s very much something.” Neve studied her, noting her pinched lips and furrowed brow, a look Neve recognized. “I have a feeling this isn’t about Ramsey or Finch.”
Scout paced the room, glancing at the door, then back to her, plastering on a fake smile. “I’m fine. Really. Just don’t freaking nearly die on me, again. I thought…”
“I’ll do my best.” Neve took a chance when Scout turned, headed for the hall. “Coulter told me Quinn was in that chopper that flew right over us while I was busy bleeding in the backseat. Second time you’ve nearly been face-to-face with him. I don’t suppose that’s what’s on your mind.”
Scout stopped, shoulders tense, hands fisted at her side. She looked back at Neve. “Maybe I’m just having a bit more trouble acclimatizing to our new… normal than everyone else.”
“Or maybe you downplayed your relationship. You said you and Quinn got back together. I’m guessing it was more than just coffee?”
Scout broke eye contact, then turned. “We spent those two weeks together. Made some longer term plans, then…”
Neve’s heart sank. “Then, you died.”
“Basically.”
“But you can’t just turn it off.”
Scout blew out a harsh breath. “I didn’t realize how hard it would hit until…”
She didn’t finish, but Neve had a feeling she knew how it ended.
She shifted on the bed, trying to find a more comfortable position. “Until Coulter showed up, and I got the future I thought I’d lost.”
“I’m happy for you and Coulter. Thrilled.
Truly. I just…” She raked her hand through her hair.
“I’ll get over it. I just saw him from a distance when I was getting back into the SUV this morning.
..” She held up her hand. “And no, he didn’t see me.
You know I’m better than that, but I won’t deny a part of me wanted him to. ”
“We can break ranks. Bring him in. You know I don’t care about Gus’ rules.”
“I know, and I love you for it, but… He’s not like Coulter.
He’s not a soldier. And he’s got his sister, Brea.
A career he loves.” She shook her head. “I can’t ask him to give all that up for…
this.” She startled when Coulter walked back in.
“Don’t worry. Everything works out the way it should in the end. Rest.”
She walked to the door, paused. “And no acrobatics until neither of you are at risk of puncturing a lung.”
Coulter rolled his eyes as Scout shut the door. “Everything okay?”
Neve leaned into him when he climbed on the bed beside her, wrapped his arm around her. “Unsure, but I’ll keep an eye on her. Let you know. Until then…”
He laughed. “You heard your teammates. No fun until we won’t break anything.”
“Pretty sure you can hold me without requiring CPR afterwards.”
“I don’t know, with the way you breathe…” He coughed when she swatted his good side. “I think I can manage that.”
“You’d better. You still owe me for going up in that damn lift.”
“Right. It’s the lift that was the worst of it.” He dropped a kiss on her forehead. “But I’m with Scout. Never scare me like that again. Now, rest. I’ve got plans for us.”