Page 19 of After 5

“Why would they leave Caiyan in the past? Isn’t he more valuable working with them?”

“Only if he’s really switched sides. He has to prove his loyalty.”

“How? He’s left the WTF. He left me. He came to Gian-Carlo of his own free will, to make a deal with the Mafusos.”

“He came naked. Without a key, he doesn’t have any power, only the gift. The Mafusos have plenty of gifted talent. What they need is another key.”

I had seen Caiyan tumble locks, and make other travelers drop in pain. But did he have other gifts I didn’t know about?

Toches huffed. “I’ve said too much. I can’t tell you any more. If I do, I’ll never be allowed inside the family.”

I saw the wall go up behind his eyes and thought a small plea for help shouted at me before the last brick was set in place.

“I’ll see what I can do to get you out of here.” I knocked three times on the door.

“Much obliged. And by the way,” he paused. “Thanks for saving me.”

“You’re welcome, Toches.”

Ace met me on my way back from speaking to Toches. “There’s been another jump.” His voice taking that aggravated tone that meant our shopping trip was about to be put on hold.

“What? The moon cycle is closing. Who’d be so stupid to travel this late?”

“Looks like we are the stupid ones, because Agent Sexy Buns has ordered us to the lab. I was on my way to get you.”

The other travelers left for home following the meeting. Ace was waiting on me for some post-travel shopping.

Jake’s shoes clipped down the hallway. “Good, you found her. Since you two are the only travelers left on base, you get to make a late jump.” He barked orders as he passed us and motioned for us to follow him.

Ace and I tried to keep up.

“Christ, I can’t waste another minute summoning someone else back to base. Mortas has jumped to Purley, Texas, and I need y’all to track him.”

The last time I traveled with Ace, our mission was not approved by the WTF. We attracted trouble like ants to a summer picnic.

“Tell me quick, what did Toches say?” Jake made a right turn, and I hustled by his side.

“He didn’t reveal anything about the girl, but he told me Caiyan’s in danger.”

“What kind of danger?”

“He hinted the Mafusos might leave Caiyan in the past, and when I touched him…”

“You touched him?” Jake stopped in his tracks and Ace almost bumped into him.

“Um—” I said. Warning bells went off in my head, forcing me to choose my next words carefully. “I read him. Anger and jealousy over something Caiyan’s going to receive from Gian-Carlo that Toecheese wants.”

“Probably the old man’s unrequited praise,” Ace said. “Kishin has self-esteem issues.”

“Jen,” Jake’s agitated stare bore trouble. “I ordered you not to touch him, but I don’t have time to argue with you now. I’ll meet you in the travel lab. I need to secure funds and intel.” He left in a flurry of angst.

“That one needs some serious spa time,” Ace said as Jake disappeared around the corner.

Al stood at the threshold of the door to the travel lab. His blue eyes danced with delight from under gray, bushy eyebrows when he saw us approach. He wore a wrinkled white lab coat over his button-down shirt and brown slacks. The array of colored pens, pencils, and gizmos lining the breast pocket of his lab coat clattered as he hugged me.

“Seems like you’re going on another adventure,” he said, smiling and greeting us as we entered the travel lab. The computers hummed and buzzed. Lights flashed on flat screens located in various positions throughout the room. The travel lab had come to life with the aftermath of the events of the recent travels.

“Brilliant,” Ace mumbled, the syrupy sarcasm thickening the tone of his voice.

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