Riven (Mirus 2)

“So, what do you think of Clementine?” he asked.

“It’s…unexpected,” said Marley. “Like a vacation from the real world.”

“Doesn’t have to be a vacation. It’s meant to be a home.”

“I can see that,” she said. “I expect it’s a good one.”

“The rest of the Underground would do well to emulate you,” said Ian. “This…has not been my experience with them.”

“I imagine the Council sent you out after the worst of the worst. I’m not insensible of the actions of some of the others who act under the guise of the greater good.”

Ian acknowledged the point, inclining his head. “I would not bring their wrath to your doorstep.”

“You’ll be needing supplies,” said Harm.

“Yes, we plan to leave at first light tomorrow,” said Marley.

The sudden tension in the other man was palpable as he shifted attention to his daughter. “We? You’re not staying.”

“I can’t,” she said quietly.

Harm’s eyes moved to Ian, accusatory.

He didn’t flinch. “Yesterday you asked how she was hurt. You didn’t ask how she survived. We are bound. Her life force to mine.”

“I see.” His throat worked as he bit back whatever harsh words or orders that sprang to his lips.

Corin wasn’t laughing now.

“This isn’t a matter of my choosing him over you,” said Marley gently. “What you have here, what you’ve done here, is…amazing.” She flicked a glance at Ian. Even without being able to read her emotions, he understood what she asked and nodded. “And I speak for us both when I say we’d like to stay. But there’s still the matter of the contract out on Ian’s head. He can’t stay, so I have to go.”

Anger and grief warred around Harm as he struggled with the news. Ian expected some kind of outburst, but instead, he said, “I understand. Where will you go?”

They’d talked of it late into the night as she’d laid out her plan. It was absolutely crazy and the last thing the Council would expect. Marley looked at him, uncertain whether to speak.

“Back to DC,” said Ian.

“You what?” Danger laced Harm’s tone and his eyes shifted to feline.

“We

have a plan. A rather brilliant and insane one that’s our best shot at making the Council believe we’re dead. As someone who’s successfully pulled that off for the last twenty-odd years, I’d appreciate your input.”

They’d surprised him, and Ian had the sense Harm was a man who was rarely surprised.

“I’m listening.”

They took him through it, answering questions, clarifying points. When they were finished, Harm shook his head. “It won’t work with only two. There are too many variables you can’t account for, too many things that can go wrong. You can’t maintain your part and watch out for her at the same time.”

“But you can,” said Ian. They hadn’t discussed this last night. Ian could sense Marley’s surprise and anxiety at the idea, but he kept his eyes on Harm.

The other man considered in silence, his gaze boring into Ian, as if that alone would tell him what he needed to know.

Marley reached out a hand toward her father. “You help us pull this off, we’re free to come back here. If you’ll have us.”

Harm eyed them both, then curled his fingers around his daughter’s, the forging of a link. “I’m in.”

With an insouciant grin, Corin added, “So am I. Putting one over on the Council is my favorite hobby.”