Given the leader of the Islamic State was integral in Mantis infiltrating the Taliban back when he was after Bagish Safi, it wouldn’t be a stretch for a rumor such as the one Razor was suggesting to be taken seriously. Going after anyone—K19, CIA, ISIL, or al-Qaeda without the full force of the Taliban, was tantamount to a death wish.
It would be foolish, however, not to think Zamed had the means to assassinate Mantis. Anyone with access to a deadly weapon could make it happen.
“Someone should just take him out. Make sure the evil bloodline ends with this generation of Safis,” Razor told Mantis as he was about to end the call. “By the way, is Doc putting a team together?”
“Not yet.”
“When he does, I want to handle it.”
“Roger that,” Mantis answered, unsure why Razor wanted to do so, but he wouldn’t argue.
“I guess now I wait,” he said after they ended the call.
Alegria nodded. “I can’t wait to find out whether I’m getting out of this place.”
Mantis smiled and stroked her cheek with his finger. “I get that you’re Superwoman—you always have been—but I’m not sure it’s wise to spring you while you’re still hooked up to all this.” He motioned to the various monitors keeping track of her vital signs along with the IV she was still attached to.
“Spoilsport.”
Alegria looked away from him, but he could see the tears in her eyes.
Mantis put his fingers on her chin and turned her head so she’d look at him. “Tell me why you’re crying.”
She shook her head.
“If you won’t tell me, I can’t help make it better.”
“I’m not sure anyone can make it better.”
He wiped her tears with this finger, but they didn’t stop falling.
“It’s my mom.”
“What about her?”
Alegria told him about her conversation with her parents.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart,” he said, lying next to her on the bed and putting his arms around her.
“Once the nurse came in, my mom just left. I haven’t heard from her since.”
“How long ago was this?”
“About an hour before you got back.”
Mantis nodded. “Do you want me to try to reach your dad?”
“Would you mind?”
“Of course not.”
Alegria handed him her phone. When her father didn’t answer the call, Mantis left a message.
“Knock, knock. Are you two lovebirds at it again?” they heard Tom say from the doorway.
Mantis stood. “Come on in,” he said.
“I’m here to take the beautiful lady to physical therapy. You comin’ along?”