Page 24 of Burn for Me

The drink doesn’t even get a chance to touch my lips when he says that; it hovers as I contemplate his words.It’s late, but most soldiers have been off schedule due to time adjustments. So, which ones aren't in their room right now? I didn't hear anything in her room, so if they're not there, where are they? Who is she around?

“Oh, so that gets your attention?” Caspian shakes his head with a huff before continuing, “She needed company, and Jasmine is the closest thing to a friend she’s had since…”

Caspian trails off, and we glance at Moe. His shoulders tense, and his fist flexes by his side, but he slowly exhales and continues to study his cards.

“It’s good for both of them. Besides, they can probably find a solution to our problem since they are both from America and a better–”

“Bar since they’re in your room.” Moe slams his cards onto the bolted-down metal table with a growl, cutting off his brother's words.

“That's not what I was going to say,” Cas grumbles. Knowing where Jasmine is eases my tension, allowing me to take a drink and feel the alcohol burn down my throat. Their room is only two doors down from hers, and the one in between is Laura's, so she’ll be safe.

“We don’t even know if there is a problem, so what’s the point?” I grind out, slowly pacing around the room until I finally plop on a plush cushion that sinks under my weight.

“Well, I’m sure it has something to do with the fact that Depth and Bay were at each other’s throats, and there was a perfect opportunity for crime to expand on land when it wasn’t protected. Or perhaps they’re just gathering because rich people love to show off their money.”

“Fuckin hell, when did you learn how to talk like that?” Caspian beams as he leans over the side of the couch to pull out a drawer and grab a cigar.

“Sharkie already said it; I’m only repeating the information.” Moe clears his throat before continuing, “Higher societies have a hell of a lot of insight on governmental things–do you even watch TV? I’m sure there are plenty of double-sided cops or elected officials who get paid to give insights into our work. With that knowledge, all someone has to do is wait for a moment to appear where they could take action.”

Tide taps the buttons of his shirt and takes a deep drag of his cigar. It makes sense, and I’m fuckin’ proud Moe is finally showing the voice he keeps hidden.

“Bloody brilliant.” Caspian laughs, and I roll my eyes, trying not to crack a grin myself. It's still odd hearing the sound come from him.

“That simplifies things then. Find out when their last gathering was like this, and determine if any conflict followed. We can narrow the suspects by the guest list.” Caspian reaches for Moe's cards while Moe reaches for the laptop beside him. Our taskshouldbe simple enough. Moe smacks Caspian's hand, pulling my attention in his direction as I take another drink.

“They seem to do a regular gathering once a year. Nothing out of the ordinary happens in those time frames, but...” Moe trails off, studying the keys he's typing along.

“Moe,” I warn. My patience is fried right now, and I can't handle the long, drawn-out silence.

“So, during Chaos, Mafias created new cities in the US for them to reside. At the beginning of land and sea, an election was rigged.” Moe is wholly consumed on the screen as he connects crimes to the more significant events we have experienced.

Most soldiers have a specific specialty they stick to–coding, fighting, undercover assignments–but he's a lot like me. You can put anything in front of him, and he’ll learn that skill in seconds. I only started teaching him the technical stuff recently, and he’s already taking over that specialty like it’s his.

That reminds me to check my phone and scroll through Depth's security footage to ensure things are running smoothly. Everyone seems right on schedule, filing into their rooms, and even the one running things is doing fantastic. I never thought Caspian would trust someone from outside his faction, but I believe Sharkie was right to place this Rosalie woman in place.

“It's simple then.” I look up to Caspin leaning back against the cushion, stuffing his cigar out in the bolted metal tray. “They're getting intel on our actions and using our distractions as their openings.”

That would mean...

“There has to be a leak somewhere between our faction and Bay.” My jaw sets as Cas speaks, and the room goes quiet.

“That doesn't make any sense, though. They'd know we were traveling that way if that was the case. They wouldn't be bold enough to cause chaos when it'sourjob to stop it–” I raise the glass clenched in my fist, cutting Moe off.Have I been missing something?

“It’s nearly impossible. I monitor all activity. Any email sent, phone call, or text message through our servers goes through me. Like Moe said, they wouldn't be planning something now if that were the case.” I think out loud.

“So what? It’s just pure luck?” Caspian scoffs, pulls a laptop from Moe, and tosses it between us.

“Honestly, with as rich as they are, they have to be lucky in some way or another. Let's not jump to conclusions.” Moe says lightly, but I’m already pulling the computer into my lap and logging into our private databases. Doing a quick code, I look for transactions between anyone and America.

It comes up blank.Every. Time.

The closest thing I see is a few IPs linked through web searches for family members across the sea, but never any interactions. With a long, stressed breath, I push my hand through my hair and knock back the rest of my drink.

I didn't fail. I've done my job, and everything is in order.

Tossing the laptop onto the seat, I stand and set my glass on the table.

“Caspian?”

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