Cloud Rebel (R-D #3)(19)

"I can arrange that," Matt nodded.

"We want to be included in that loop," Sergei said. "We still have friends in Dublin, and they need a warning if we can get it to them."

"I'll ask Opal to look into it," Matt said. "I'll take any information you can give me in order to make that happen."

"We'll consider what information to give," Sergei said.

"Then give information to Rinnelar or Valegar," Matt said. "They can filter out anything I don't need to know."

"I will agree to that," Sergei said.

"I'd prefer that, too," Katya sided with her husband.

"Good. We're golden. Who's taking Colonel Hunter, James and me back to D.C.?" Matt didn't keep the annoyance out of his voice.

"I will do so," Val offered.

When will you let them know you can schlepp them around? I sent to Matt.

Maybe never—it'll blow my cover. You know—the one you promised not to reveal?

Oh. Right.

Your sarcasm is showing.

Really?

Now it's full-blown.

Then it's a good thing we're using mindspeech, isn't it?

You scare me, he said before Val interrupted the conversation by disappearing with him, Auggie and James.

"Not bother—he dig own holes," Bekzi walked over and patted my shoulder.

"Yeah."

*

Notes—Colonel Hunter

"Dr. Farrell, you're moving," I announced. Valegar had known to take us to the ugly building in Arlington. We found Farrell working (unsurprisingly) with Maye's clone.

"Where?" he asked, turning away from Jennifer. She looked identical to Maye, now, right down to the haircut. I wondered if Leo had made any inroads yet on Dr. Farrell's fixation and unwillingness to let Maye go.

"To the beach house in Port Aransas," I said. "Matt thought it a good idea, since we already have a team there to protect you and Rafe's family."

"Probably a good idea," he shrugged. "Although I'm hesitant to face—well, you know."

Farrell and I knew Corinne wanted to give him a tongue-lashing. Hell, I wanted to do the same. I wanted to yell at the President, too, but that would be disrespectful and hazardous to my position.

It was better to keep my mouth shut on that front. Perhaps Cori would do it for both of us. After all, we didn't own her, and I imagined that making enemies of the Larentii was something even Madam President would hesitate to do.

If the FBI, CIA or NSA wanted to make files on the Larentii race, Valegar would likely wipe them out the moment they were created. That made me smile.

You are correct, Valegar's voice sounded in my head. It is our duty to protect our race and especially the few females we have. You have no idea how precious Corinnelar is to us—and to me.

"She is precious to me and those around me," I declared aloud. "After saving my ass more than once, I can't say otherwise. She's saved your ass, too, Farrell, so I'd suggest you listen to her when she gives you hell."

I rounded on Richard Farrell when I said his name; he went pale and still at my words. What I didn't expect was what spewed from him immediately after.

"You kept her out of that meeting, when she should have been there," Farrell shouted. "You know as well as I what that could have prevented."

"We probably should hold this shouting match later, at a neutral site," Leo Shaw strode into the room. I could tell he was upset, too. Likely it was because Jennifer was listening and Brett walked in right behind him. They didn't need to know why they existed—or whom they resembled—all because Richard Farrell couldn't let Maye go.

"I think you should both listen when Corinne gives you hell," Leo lowered his voice. "Besides, I think I'd like to be in that meeting when she does."

Brett and Jennifer were only now noticing the tall, blue man standing nearby. Jennifer gasped; Brett looked ready to pounce. Valegar held up a hand. "There is no need to fear," he said. "Larentii are a peaceful race, although my mate will, as Colonel Hunter so baldly stated, give someone hell for f*cking things up."

"You've met Corinne already," Richard sighed before nodding to Jennifer and Brett. "She'll help protect us where we're going. Just be prepared—you're about to be transported in a way you never dreamed possible."

*

Corinne

"Call her Rinnelar," Richard Farrell instructed when Valegar arrived with Jennifer, Leo and Brett at the beach house. "Trust me—it's for your own good."

"They will not forget," Valegar said. Only I saw the slight glow of power about him when he spoke the words—they wouldn't be able to forget, now.

"Want coffee or something to eat?" I asked Brett and Jennifer before giving Richard a look. He ducked his head—sometime soon, he and I would have a talk. He wasn't looking forward to it.

"I'd take a sandwich or something," Brett grinned. I had to remind myself that this wasn't Nick. Would never truly be Nick—even with Nick's face and talents. Richard's lecture grew longer in that moment.

"I think there's sliced ham and roast beef in the fridge," I said. "And a small grocery store in Port A if we don't have everything you need."