Relentless (Option Zero 2)

“None of us are. We’re all expendable. They’ve eliminated many. Others just take their place.”

“Who have they eliminated?”

When he began to name names, Liam pulled out his phone and recorded them. He recognized a few, mostly prominent and wealthy people. One name that caught his attention was Nora Turner.

“The senator from Ohio?”

“Yes. You knew her?”

Everyone at OZ knew Nora Turner. She had almost destroyed Ash, multiple times.

“Her death was ruled a suicide. I saw the coroner’s report myself.”

“Yes. And the explosion on Ferante’s yacht will be blamed on faulty wiring or a gas leak. It happens all the time.”

A knock on the outside door told him their time was up. The nurse who’d lent them the room stuck her head inside. “Sorry to disturb you, but we need this room.”

“Not a problem,” Liam said. “Thanks for letting us use it.”

Aubrey stepped out of the bathroom. Though she was still ghostly pale, making the bruise on her chin even darker, her eyes were clear and determined.

“Where to now?” she asked.

“There’s a safe house about an hour outside LA. We’ll head there for more debriefing. My SUV is parked to the left of the hospital’s entrance. I’ll bring it around.”

He had expected at least some semblance of an argument from Green but apparently the man was too defeated to fight anymore.

“Let’s go.”

No one spoke as they walked out of the room and into the elevator. He did notice that Aubrey sent a tortured look toward the room where Becca had died. Grief surrounded her like an invisible barrier. At some point, the anger would penetrate. When it did, he wanted her as far from danger as possible.

They reached the exit, and Liam said, “Stay here. I’ll be right back. You see any kind of threat, scream as loud as you can.”

He walked out onto the drive and evaluated. The parking lot was filled with cars, but he saw only a few people. To the left of him, about ten yards away, a couple got into their car. To his right, a man and woman with two toddlers entered their vehicle. Straight ahead, an elderly man shuffled toward his car. Nothing was out of place, everything seemed calm.

Clicking the key fob to unlock the door, he strode to the SUV, jumped inside, and started the engine. He was driving toward the building when he saw Green walking alone in the parking lot.

Sliding his window down, he shouted, “Green, where are you going? Get in here! It’s not safe!”

As if he hadn’t heard him, Green continued to stride through the parking lot. He didn’t appear to have a specific destination or purpose. His steps were slow and awkward, almost shuffling.

From the doorway of the hospital, Aubrey shouted, “Uncle Syd!”

“Aubrey!” Liam yelled. “Get back inside. I’ll get your uncle.”

He shoved the SUV into park, jumped out, and ran toward the man. “Green, what the hell are you doing? Where do you think you’re going?”

Finally acknowledging him, Green stopped suddenly and glared at Liam. “I have nothing else to tell you. I’ve given you all I know.”

“All right, fine. But you need protection. You think they’re going to let you live?”

“Do you think I care?” Looking up at the sky, he raised his hands, and walking in circles, shouted, “Come and get me, you bastards! I’m ready! You’ve taken everything from me! I have nothing left.”

“Uncle Syd, please!”

Liam turned to see Aubrey running toward them. “Get in the car,” Liam snapped. “I’ll take care of your uncle.” Turning back, he growled, “Green, get in the car!”

“No!” Looking back up at the sky, he shouted again, “They can’t hurt me anymore!”