Page 91 of The Claiming

“They used their prisoners to dig out the tunnels by hand. It was hard labor, and they were controlled by shackles and iron bars.”

I have a new found respect for the men of God who, as it turns out, were more brutal than the men who targeted them.

Uncle Malik removes a manila envelope from behind the care package and his eyes light with interest.

“I printed the plans out for you to study. It’s a blueprint of the entire network of tunnels which should help with your planning.”

His eyes flash and his tone drops an octave, and I lean forward as he whispers.

“Now to your main problem.”

It’s as if his words electrify my soul as I sense a bigger problem about to reveal itself.

“The unknown centurion may not be what you think he is.”

“I think nothing.”

My answer causes a rare smile to light my uncle’s face. He will appreciate my response because he has always taught me not to guess at life because the only way to win is through the facts.

I lean forward, waiting for him to speak, knowing any words I utter at this point will be surplus to requirements.

“Have you heard the name Christian Duprey?”

“No.”

He nods, the only sign he is excited to reveal his information, evident by the gleam in his dark hooded eyes.

“He runs what many call a cult, but it’s way more sinister than that.”

“A cult?”

My heart beats faster because I love shit like this.

“He is the founder of The Serpent Society. The members of this group have a serpent tattooed on their wrists. The symbolism signifies an impending, deadly attack.”

“And you believe the unknown centurion could be one of them?”

I raise my eyes. “Why?”

He shrugs. “They could be connected to the society through parentage and attend Rockwell as a student or–”

He leans forward and whispers, “Or they could be operating on their own outside of the society, which is my educated guess.”

“Why do you come to that conclusion?”

“Because it’s unusual for them to operate outside of their protected walls. Your problem could be a lone ranger perhaps, or coincidence. Either way, it’s an organization that has held our interest for some time, and taking one of their members would help with our investigations.”

His meaning is clear as I ask the burning question. “You want us to capture him and hand him over to you?”

“No, Frankie.” Uncle Malik’s eyes flash with dark danger as he says with a husky whisper, “We want to trap him and when you run your next challenge, the centurions in the passageway will be my guards.”

I say nothing because what the fuck? He is tripping on my territory and he knows it.

I make to speak but he cuts me off with one flash of his dark, fearsome eyes. “You do not have the army or the resources right now. You will. I am certain of that, but not at this moment in time. I applaud your desire to capture this man for yourself, but you must also learn when to accept help.” He leans back and says nonchalantly. “If you captured him, what then?”

I heave a sigh, knowing he is right, and he continues, sensing my acceptance of the situation.

“It is best this way. We will remove the problem from Rockwell and use it to our advantage. Your newly formed army will grow over time and you will get better at it.”

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