“Of course I am.” He nudged me with his shoulder. “You’ve only just begun to see the resources the MEA can bring down on the bad guys. Now that we’ve taken down Bane and gotten the mayor some positive press, the ASAC will throw funds our way. Plus we’re getting some more warm bodies for the team. The covens won’t know what hit ’em.”
Across the field, past the stage, I saw a group of four people headed toward us. I recognized Mez’s dreads immediately, tonight back to their dark brown color. Pen picked her way gracefully over the ruts and grass. Shadi strutted with her arm around Danny’s shoulders.
Danny. Seeing him smile and laugh was like a balm to soothe my ragged edges.
“Here comes trouble,” Drew said, sounding amused.
I looked up at him. “You really believe we can make a difference?”
The corner of his mouth lifted. “You bet your ass, Cupcake.”
I just prayed I’d have a chance to prove him right before Volos made good on his threats. Because one thing was sure, I’d quit the team before I helped him slither his way out of an investigation. I might not be a saint, but I sure as hell wasn’t a traitor to the badge like Mike Hanson.
By that time, the others finally reached our perch high on the hill. I looked around at the faces of my team and my little family. Morales was right. There were lots of things worth fighting for in the Cauldron.
Across the clearing, at the edge of the carnival, I spied a long, black limousine with taillights that glowed like a blood fiend’s eyes in the Arteries. John Volos emerged from a tent and walked purposefully toward the waiting car. He reached the door but paused before ducking inside. Turning to look over his shoulder, his eyes scanned the carnival, the busy lot, the street. But his gaze never landed on the source of his discomfort.
Get used to looking over your shoulder, I said silently as I imagined an invisible target on his forehead. Because I’ll be watching you.
Finally, he gave up his search and ducked into the car. A few seconds later, the limo pulled away, and Babylon’s favorite son disappeared into the Cauldron’s protective embrace.
“Kate?” Danny called. “You okay?”
I forced a smile and put an arm around my kid brother. “Yeah, I’m good.”
Or I will be, I silently amended. A quickening began in my middle and expanded outward, heating my limbs and hardening my resolve.
Volos may have won this battle, but I would win the war.