Echoes at Dawn (KGI #5)(89)

“What now?” Rio asked softly. “Does Titan exist? Are you your own entity now?”

“We’re there. We’re always there. Rarely seen. But always there. We’re a lot alike, you know. Titan. KGI. We see the world with different eyes. We fight for what we believe in. We do the jobs that no one else wants to do or has the means to. Some call us evil. Others call us heroes. But it’s what we call ourselves that matters, wouldn’t you say?”

In a completely twisted, ridiculous way, Hancock made perfect sense.

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry. I never meant for you or Grace to get hurt. I didn’t fire the shot, but it came from one of my men. A man I trained. So it’s my responsibility. He reacted without thinking, a mistake that will get you killed every damn time. I made an example of him, but it doesn’t change the fact that the woman you love is fighting for her life because of a mistake made by one of my men.”

Rio nodded. There wasn’t much to say to that. The man had paid with his life. What else was there for Rio to do? Rage and hatred had no place in his heart right now. His focus had to be on Grace. His love for Grace. And his absolute faith that she would win the fight for her life.

“And now?” Rio asked. “What happens now? Farnsworth is dead. Grace and Shea will both still be hunted. We can sit here and talk civilly all day long, but if I ever see you coming for what is mine, I’ll kill you without any regret.”

Hancock smiled. “I’d think less of you if you didn’t.” Then he sobered. “My report will contain the following information. That Farnsworth was eliminated. His assets will be seized by the government. Many will celebrate. Included in the report will be that, regrettably, Grace Peterson died as a result of her attempt to heal Elizabeth Farnsworth.”

Rio sucked in his breath and stared back at Hancock as he processed what it would mean for Grace to have “died” while trying to save Farnsworth’s daughter. Freedom.

“It means you’d have to make her someone else entirely and that you’d have to stay off the government’s radar. I’m sure you’d have no problem keeping her hidden in that damn jungle lair of yours. And I’m sure with the connections that KGI has, getting a new identity should be a simple matter.”

Hope started a vicioӀarted a us beat in Rio’s chest. A life. A normal life. All that Grace had dreamed of. Free of fear. Of always looking over her shoulder. She’d be dead to the rest of the world. Loved and forever cherished by him.

“What about her sister, Shea?”

“Without Grace, her value decreases. I’ll do my best to dim any enthusiasm for Shea, but I can’t guarantee anything. I have no doubt that KGI will keep her safe.”

“Thank you,” Rio said in a low voice.

It was hard to say to this man. But Hancock was trying to make amends. He’d tried to save Grace. He’d done what was necessary to accomplish the mission, and a lifetime ago, Rio would have applauded that drive and single-minded determination. He would have admired it. Would have aspired to have been like that. Machine, not man. The greater good above all else.

Hancock stood and started to walk away, and Rio knew, without a doubt, he wouldn’t see Hancock again. Not unless Hancock wanted it. He’d fade back into the shadows. Back into a life steeped in gray. A gray world Rio himself had existed in before Grace had barged in with a burst of color, love and understanding.

“What about Elizabeth?” Rio called after him. “What will your report say about her?”

Hancock paused and turned around. “What would you like it to say?”

Rio hesitated and thought back to that innocent little girl who’d been so close to death before Grace had given her back her life. He lifted his gaze back to Hancock. “Tell them…Tell them that she died as well. That Grace was unable to save her.”

Hancock nodded. “Tell Grace…Tell her that she’s one hell of a woman. She had Farnsworth by the balls. Never quite seen anything like it. She’s pretty damn fierce.”

“I’ll tell her,” Rio said, feeling the first surge of hope creep over his shoulders.

“Safe journey,” Hancock said before disappearing from the doorway.

“Safe journey,” Rio murmured in the empty air.

Rio hurried back to the waiting room, anxious to know if there was any word on Grace. She’d been in surgery for three hours already and he had no idea how long to expect it to last.

As soon as he hit the doorway, he knew there was no word. Nathan looked up and silently shook his head. Rio bit back his frustration and blew out his breath, his shoulders sagging with fatigue and worry.

Elizabeth was sitting next to Terrence. The picture of the tiny little girl next to the mountain that was Terrence would be amusing in other circumstances. But then Elizabeth looked up and caught Rio’s gaze. Sorrow swamped her expressive brown eyes.

Then to Rio’s surprise, she pushed away the blanket Terrence had wrapped her in and got up. She walked to Rio, her face solemn, eyes sad. She stopped in front of him and looked up to meet his gaze.

“I know my father wasn’t a good man. I’m sorry for what he did to Grace. She’s such a good person. She’s like sunshine and love all wrapped up in one.”

Damn if tears didn’t burn Rio’s eyes all over again.

Gently he reached down and tucked her hand into his. “Come sit down and talk to me, Elizabeth.”