Page 56 of Dark Rebel's Mystery

None of the three moved an inch.

"You are leaving us in the dark," Zara said. "You are not telling us your plans, and that's not okay. As you said, we are in this together."

They were more right than they were aware of, but after their combined attack, she wasn't going to tell them about her latest plan. Besides, she was still working on it.

Kyra fought to keep her expression schooled. "You know my plans. When they move the prisoners, we attack the transport. In the meantime, I'm collecting information about the methods they used to turn that woman into someone like me."

Letting out a breath, Rashid plopped down on a stool. "And how's that going? Did you steal any of the drugs they are using on her or are you about to?"

She shook her head. "Two guards always accompany the guy who administers the shots."

"So, how are you going to find out?"

He was right, of course. Even if she managed to snag a sample of the drugs they used, she had no access to a laboratory that couldanalyze it and tell her what was inside. And even if she did, she would fear sending it to them and pointing a big arrow at herself.

"I might overhear something. People like to talk, and the cleaning staff is practically invisible. No one pays me any mind. They treat me the same as they treat a broom."

Soran exhaled in frustration. "So you will continue like this until they transport her out?"

Kyra pulled her fingers through her hair, combing it to give herself a moment to collect her thoughts. "That's the only viable strategy, and I don't think it will be much longer now. They're preparing the place for someone's important visit, and I'm betting they will move the prisoners out before that."

"Okay." Soran sat on one of the folding chairs. "Let's plan for next week." He cast her an accusing glance. "With you just as an observer. But if you catch me messing up too often, it will prove you are needed."

"She's always needed," Zara grumbled as she sat down.

Kyra gave her an appreciative smile before shifting her gaze to Soran. "If you mess up on purpose, I'll know. So don't try it."

"I won't."

Hours later, the meeting wound down, and a hush settled over the tent as Zara gathered her notes.

Soran rolled his shoulders, stiff from sitting for too long on the uncomfortable folding chairs. "So, how did I do?"

"As well as I expected you to do. You are ready to take over."

He didn't look happy with her answer. "At least we have a plan for the next few days. Zara will lead the supply run south, andHamid will gather intel on the new squads." He looked at her for a long moment. "We're all invested in you, Kyra, and if you think this woman is crucial to our cause, we'll follow your lead. We don't want to lose you. Don't let your guilt from the past drive you to do something reckless."

It took her a second to speak. "I'm not feeling guilty, Soran. I'm haunted. That's different." She rose to her feet. "I'll see all of you tomorrow."

38

KIAN

Kian leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly as his gaze swept over the group assembled before him. The floor-to-ceiling windows let in the late-afternoon light, but it would get dark soon, and the forecast promised rain. He hoped he would be done with the meeting before that and not get soaked on his way home.

"What's the weather like out there?" Yamanu asked.

Onegus pushed a folder toward him. "Cold at night and warm during the days. It's an inland area, so it doesn't get the tempering influence of a large body of water. It's all in the file."

Yamanu grimaced. "Mey ordered snow clothing for me online and paid for expedited delivery. Oh well, I guess I can use it on our next ski vacation."

Onegus frowned. "I didn't know you were planning a skiing vacation."

Yamanu flashed him a smile. "I didn't know either."

Kian cleared his throat. "Let's go over the plan from the top."

He glanced at Onegus, who set down his notepad. The chief rubbed a hand over his square jaw and nodded. "We gathered intel on the town of Tahav, located in northwestern Iran. It's a small town of about twelve thousand people, with a nearby military hub of the Revolutionary Guard. It's not a big place, but the intel suggests that they use it to interrogate political prisoners, those who oppose the regime, though it's not a permanent holding facility. We assume that's where Kyra is, but since we are going solely based on Syssi's vision, that might be completely off." He cast an apologetic look at Kian. "I'm not doubting her vision, but it could have been about something that happened in the past or has not happened yet."

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