Emerge: The Captive: (Book 3)(64)

“You forget … I am much more than a scholar. I am the father of all scholars who have come after me. I am an ancient with omniscient access to all of history. Even history in the making. Even history made, say, a couple of hours ago.” He checked his Apple Watch. “Things like mundane flight manifests. Public record, you know. I knew you were coming the moment your pilot filed her flight plan. You young people forget to use your brains and rely too much on your gifts.”

“Out.” Livia snapped her fingers and everyone exited the vehicle.

It was time. She would do what she came here to do, and Quinn would slip away with Santi before Livia even realized what happened. He had the advantage, too. He knew exactly where to go where she would never find them.

“You two, stay with me. I don’t want any bullshit from you, Quinn. Lennox is my insurance policy. You try anything, you even think about running, and she pays the price.”

Quinn didn’t buy her threat. Livia loved that little girl and she wouldn’t follow through with it—especially if he wasn’t there to see it carried out.

Livia shoved Santi ahead of her, keeping them in her sights, daring them to step a toe out of line. Her team lined up in the darkness of the old subway station. The Scholar stood alone. They had him surrounded, but he gazed around like he was meeting old friends for brunch.

“Lovely to meet you all,” he said, with a beaming smile.

Ryan and Michael lit the flashlights on their phones, washing them all in the dim blue LED light.

“Such a wonderful invention.” Alexander gestured at the smartphones. “I’ve always found it miraculous how my mortal children have managed to thrive without the use of the power that was once a natural part of the world they inherited. Their ingenuity is simply marvelous. Don’t you think, Alivia?” He turned to face her, not bothering to cast a glance in the others’ direction. He was in control here.

“It’s Livia.” The color drained from her face at the mention of the name.

“No. It isn’t. You were named Alivia, after a distant relative on your mother’s side, but how could you know that? Leave it to Marcus to give you a Roman name. Livia it is, then.” He nodded. “You won’t find Alísun here, dear. My wife sees you coming before you’ve had your morning tea and biscuits.”

“You’re the one we want anyway,” Livia said. “For the moment.”

“Who is this ‘we?’” He frowned. “It seems most of your team has wandered off.”

Quinn had watched them each drift away as if some pressing task had just occurred to them. First Selena and Ryan, and then Jayesh, with Michael right behind. They were now busy scouring the tunnel, taking pictures and measurements, murmuring about how perfect the place was for hosting Amrita.

Livia’s hand hovered near her hip, a finger tracing the lines of the intricate collar at her belt.

“You could try it, but I think you’ll find me difficult to collar, my dear.”

“He’s crazy,” Livia muttered.

“I like him.” Quinn grinned.

“Listen, Alexander. We have dozens of agents in the surrounding area. If you run, we will catch you.”

“Oh, dear me, no. I’m afraid I haven’t run in years.” He patted the small swell of his protruding belly. “But I have my reasons for meeting with you today. Tell me, what is your despicable father up to these days? I’m afraid Teigan and I never got along well when he thought to court my mother-in-law all those years ago. Eiselynn was a clever girl to turn away from him when she did. Caused all sorts of problems we’re still dealing with, but she was a wise girl nonetheless.”

“If you’re so all-knowing, then you should know exactly what he has planned for you and your wife. None of which is of any concern to me or my team,” Livia said.

“Of course not. Your only concern is for your mother. Porcia. I was always fond of her, but the dear girl was most unfortunate to find herself in league with one such as Teigan. Something happened to him during the Great War. He’s gone a bit squirrely if you ask me.”

Livia began to speak, but her voice fell mute and her movements grew sluggish.

“Ah, much better.” Alexander smiled. “Now then, Quinnton, isn’t it?” He turned to face Quinn and Santi, the only two who hadn’t wandered off. “We have much to discuss, and very little time to do it.”

“I’m sorry, sir?” Quinn frowned, confused.

“It is time to go, my boy. You and your pretty friend. We have about ten minutes to get out of here or we’re all toast.” He ushered them along the tunnel, back to the entrance. “Well, you two more than me. I may have bluffed a bit back there. I make a habit of running when cornered. I’m a scholar, not a fighter. Come, let’s go, shall we? Come, come. Quickly.”

“The car?” Santi tried to turn back.

“Leave the car, darling. It won’t run long without this thing anyway.” He held up a torn radiator hose. “And to be honest, I’m not the best driver.”

Quinn gaped at the kooky old man before Santi grabbed his hand and tugged him along. “This is our chance. We have to take it now.”

“How do you know my name?” Quinn asked as they followed Alexander up to the street entrance.

“Well, Quinny, my boy, it seems you are close with someone who means a great deal to me and my lovely wife. Several someones, in fact. I’ve kept a close eye on you recently. Livia was right when she said I see important people and events that shape our world, but she was wrong to assume you are not one of those important people. You and Santi both—and that unfortunate boy back there. But he’ll have to figure that out on his own. None of you are insignificant. You are all vital to the future of the Immortal world. But you have got to get out of this snare you’re currently in. Take yourselves and run. Now. It’s the only chance I can give you, though I fear it might not be enough.”