75. Sloan
SEVENTY-FIVE
SLOAN
“Are you sure that’s what you heard?” Sloan ran to her dresser, where her uniform sat in a crumpled pile. “Tell me everything.”
“That’s all there is to tell.” Elizabeth stood in Sloan’s doorway, tapping her chin in thought. “Jack and Aareth are off hunting down The Order by themselves. I searched Aareth’s mind and found out where they were going. Uhhh … are you really going to change right in front of me?”
“Why? Does it make you feel uncomfortable?” Sloan dropped her shorts and pulled on her uniform pants. “Feel free to look the other way if you want.”
“I’m not weirded out.” Elizabeth crossed her arms but looked at the ceiling instead of Sloan. “I just thought you’d be more modest.”
“Yeah, well, growing up in the system then joining the army doesn’t really allow for modesty.” Sloan buttoned her black cloak. She buckled on her mage sword as she exited her room. “Let’s get you back to Abigail.”
Sloan closed the door to her room. Well aware of the escort that was supposed to follow Elizabeth without exception, she expected to see at least a pair of guards down the hall. There was no one in sight.
A horrible thought gripped Sloan’s stomach. As much as she hated to even think of the possibility, she had to know.
“Elizabeth, what did you do to the guards who are supposed to be following you?” Sloan knelt down to bring herself eye level with the young girl. “You didn’t?—”
“No, I didn’t kill them.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “They’re safe, sleeping right outside my door. I just … encouraged them to sleep.”
“You ‘encouraged’ them to what?” Sloan stood with a heavy sigh.
She had read the report on Elizabeth done by Doctor Leah Noble.
“You and I are going to have to have a long talk when I get back. I have nothing but the best intentions for you, but some things are just off-limits. I want you to read my mind so you know I’m telling the truth and that I mean business. ”
“Oh.” Elizabeth looked into Sloan’s eyes while she read her mind. A sharp inhale escaped her lips. “You shouldn’t use language like that around me. I’m still a kid.”
“Thank you for warning me about Jack and Aareth.” Sloan was already moving down the hall. “Go back to your sister now.”
“But I can help.” Elizabeth’s voice followed Sloan down the hall.
“I know you can.” Sloan turned a corner, losing the small girl to sight. “But what’s going to happen tonight is no place for a kid.”
Sloan half-expected Elizabeth to chase her down, arguing with her why she should be allowed to go.
When the girl didn’t, Sloan said a silent prayer of thanks.
Quickly, Sloan traveled down the palace halls to where the officers were quartered.
She rapped on the door of one of the few officers she knew could be trusted.
When no answer came from the other side, Sloan balled her hand into a fist and pounded on the door.
“What? What time is it? Did I miss Reveille? I’m coming.” A bleary-eyed Lieutenant Baker opened the door, then snapped to attention when he saw who was visiting him. “Captain Sloan, I’m sorry, I didn’t know it was you.”
Lieutenant Baker was dressed in nothing but a short pair of boxer briefs decorated with pink unicorns.
“I need you to marshal the first regiment. Have them ready in twenty minutes, full riot gear.” Sloan looked the lieutenant up and down with a raised eyebrow before turning to walk away. “And for God’s sake, don’t ever let anyone see you in those shorts.”
“Yes, ma’am.” The lieutenant placed both hands over his crotch. His face visibly reddened. “I mean, yes to both orders.”