Darkness Falls (Dark Angels 7)

Stanford glanced at him. At the same time that the other councillors were assassinated. She sent Cazadors.

Markel’s anger shot across the astral plan, so strong it felt as if the very foundations of the place were trembling. She has no right to use the Cazadors as her own private kill squad.

No, but even Cazadors are not immune to the promise of power. And that is what she offered them, Markel.

Them. Meaning Hunter had sent more than one Cazador after Stanford, and he still beat them. I’d been right before—Stanford was every bit as dangerous as Hunter, just in an entirely different way.

You know this for a fact? Markel asked.

Stanford nodded. I questioned them.

Who? There was an odd sense of urgency—perhaps even a touch of . . . not fear, but something close to it—in that one simple word.

Frances Halberry and Edward Appleton. Stanford paused, his expression sympathetic. I am sorry.

Markel briefly closed his eyes. I would have sworn neither could have been swayed by her.

Were they your friends? I asked softly.

Markel’s gaze met mine. In the dark depths of his eyes, rage burned—a rage that was deep, fierce, and close to uncontrolled. Berserker, I thought with a shiver. Uncle Quinn had mentioned once, long ago, that the berserker mentality was often a result of being a Cazador for too long. And becoming berserker, these days, was a death sentence. I hated the thought of that happening to Markel, because he actually seemed a pretty decent person otherwise.

Yes, he said, voice clipped. And I cannot believe they would willingly go to their death on the promise of power from a madwoman.

I didn’t say anything. There wasn’t really anything I could say, as I didn’t know his friends. But I certainly knew firsthand that Hunter wasn’t above playing dirty if it meant getting what she wanted. It was also a sad fact that the desire for power sometimes struck the most innocuous people.

They were given a clean death, Stanford said softly. I did that much for them, at least.

Markel took a deep breath and released it slowly. Thank you.

Stanford’s gaze returned to me. Do not be surprised if Hunter contacts you to demand the key be found sooner rather than later. And I would warn your uncle to be wary; she has more support in the Directorate than he imagines.

He knows that. I hesitated. How soon will you be ready to move, if needed?

It will take a few more hours to prepare the wards, Stanford said. I will arrange to have the address sent to you as soon as we are ready.

I frowned. Why not just meet here on the astral plane again?

Janice Myer takes over the watch in one hour, Markel said. While I am willing to take her out if absolutely necessary, to do so would alert Hunter of not only where my allegiances lie, but also that her opposition is on the move.

It is better she believes us caught flat-footed, Stanford said. Besides, I would not put it past her to place her own people on the plane, watching the watchers.

I hadn’t thought of that possibility. How do I contact you if something goes wrong or I decide to accept your help?

Your reaper can always contact either of us, Stanford said. Myer cannot track him, and as long as you keep your discussions with him in regards to this matter telepathic, no one will be the wiser.

Fine, I said grimly. But accepting your help will only be an absolutely last choice.

Stanford bowed, the movement holding a slightly mocking edge. I will nevertheless be prepared, as I believe we both know that your last choice is the only choice you actually have.

With that, he disappeared. I glanced at Markel. He’s an arrogant bastard, isn’t he?

Not arrogant as much as determined that Hunter’s shadow will not linger over the council longer than now necessary.

I snorted. And, of course, he’ll just happen to step into her shoes once she’s gone.

If you mean he would assume her position on the council, then no, he wouldn’t. Markel’s mental tones held a hint of censure. That can only be done through direct challenge, and he has no intention of doing that.

No, because he wanted me to do it for him. Then what happens when she’s dead?