Page 29 of Tattletale

“What do they call themselves?”

“Technically, they are nameless. They go by symbols for secrecy. But we had to refer to them as something. Fourpresidents ago, our commander in chief set up Project Aeon. He was determined to infiltrate and demolish the group.”

“Why would he set up a project based on rumors?” I ask.

Vesper pinches the bridge of her nose and exhales heavily. “By now, you should know, Lancelot. Every single fucking rumor that circulates around the White House isn’t just true—it’s usually peril.”

I never liked Vesper’s involvement with the government. I suppose it’s the only thing that regulates us in a way. Maybe I don’t like that. I trust Vesper’s head and heart far more than I do any official legislation. Why can’t that be enough?

“So, what is Aeon?”

“Whatever you need it to be—a cult, terrorist organization, a ruthless re-embodiment of the Illuminati. It doesn’t matter what they are, just that they are incredibly powerful. Aeon exists to fulfill a harebrained prophecy of a self-induced extinction of mankind. They live to cause chaos and discord. They pick corrupt men and pay to put them in leadership, design alliances between evil world powers, and their specialty is instigating war. They are like roaches—lurking in shadows, near impossible to catch. We have onlyonesource—an undercover member of Aeon brave enough to betray them.”

Now, the puzzle piece clicks into place. “Leonardo?”

Vesper nods. “Leonardo is greedy and evil. But because of him, countless world leaders still have their heads. World War III has yet to come to fruition, and the United Nations staysunited. They don’t tell him everything, but he shares what he can. In exchange—”

“Amnesty,” I finish.

“And protection,” Vesper adds. “If Aeon found out what Leonardo has shared, they’d cut him up piece by piece in front of his family, shortly before lighting them all on fire. Women and children alike.”

My eyes pop open. “That was an oddly gruesome analogy.”

“Not an analogy. A ritual,” Vesper says with a bitter undertone. “It’s happened before.”

My heart thuds, panic overcoming me as a new realization comes over me. “Wait, what would happen if Luca was murdered? What would Leonardo do?”

“By Aeon?”

I shake my head. “No…by PALADIN.”

Vesper is very quick to understand what I’m implying. She rises, slamming her fist on the table. “Where is Cricket?”she hisses.

I close my eyes, unable to keep them open as I oust the woman I love. I made a promise that I’d keep my mouth shut. But Cricket’s life is bigger than my promises. I pull out Rossi’s phone from my pocket, sliding it across the desk to Vesper. Maybe this was always my intention…going to Vesper for help. Why else would I have brought this phone in with me?

“Luca’s flight lands this evening in New York City. Cricket’s planning to ambush him.”

“She knows the rules and the consequences. She wouldn’t,” Vesper whispers. But there is worry in her eyes.

“Vesper,” I say quietly. “You didn’t hear how she was speaking. I think she might. I can’t… I’m only telling you this to spare her.Please.”

Vesper grabs Rossi’s phone off the desk and heads toward the door. “Let’s go.Now.”

“What are we going to do?” I rise, then trail closely behind her.

Vesper looks over her shoulder and meets me with a glacial stare. “Whatever it fucking takes to save my daughter.”

SEVEN

CRICKET

Four loaded pistols.Three knives. Two grenades. And one little cricket for good luck.That’s all I have to complete my self-appointed mission.

I stare at the cricket on the ground, which looks immobile. It’d be impossible to see in the dead of night, but there’s a slight glow from the dim overhead lamp. I know it’s alive. I hear it chirping.

Funny.I didn’t know crickets could chirp in the rain.

“And now we wait,” I say to the cricket as I lean against the side of the only building of this airport. It’s such a tiny airfield. It’s only one long asphalt strip and one garage, large enough to hold maybe two jets. There’s nothing but trees on all four sides. It’s a perfect cover for an ambush. I’m not sure if Luca is cocky or stupid. Maybe he’s arriving with an entire plane full of armed men. I’ll need to move quickly. The element of surprise is my best chance.

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