I’m sorry but I’m going.
You’re NOT sorry. You WANT to go.
Nick clenched his jaw again.I know you don’t agree with me, but I’ve made up my mind.Nick looked at Morley, scowling.James agrees with me.
But Morley clearly saw Nick staring at him.
He also clearly guessed the reason.
“Don’t drag me into this,” the human muttered.
I heard that,Wynter snapped.
I’m GOING, Wynter,Nick repeated angrily.I finally know where that psychopath is. I know where he will be, at least. He can’t be far away from there now.
What makes you think he’s anywhere near that portal, Nick?
Because he is.Nick realized as soon as he sent it that he did know. He may have even known where the other Nick was for a while now.He’s been staying there all along, Wynter. It’s been his home base. He’s there now.
He made his thoughts as calm as he could.
Wynter, we both know he’s coming for you. He’s coming for all of you. Why in the gods would I wait around until that happens? Why would I risk that?
He paused, waiting through another silence.
You wouldn’t,he added accusingly.If our positions were reversed, you wouldn’t wait, Wynter. I know you wouldn’t. You’d do exactly what I’m doing––
We need a conference!Wynter demanded.
Her mental voice grew louder.
It also grew stubbornly, furiously insistent.
We’re having a goddamned conference, Nick. All of us. Right now. I’m having everyone call you. Lara says she can loop in James in a way that will keep the conversation private. If James uses the sound dampeners, the internal microphones inside the car won’t pick up anything. She says she can scramble any listening channels via the link with him and you…
There was a pause.
In it, Nick didn’t trust himself to think anything.
He didn’t make a mental sound.
Before he got past that, Wynter’s voice rose again.
In fact, don’t bother. Lara is talking to James now. She’s explaining what we’re going to do.Wynter’s voice turned overtly threatening.She’s calling you in one minute, Nick. On the new headset. You’d better pick up, goddamn it. I swear to god, I’ll KILL you if you don’t pick up…
Nick clenched his jaw.
A few seconds later, his headset let off a low tone.
Nick sat there, arms folded, fighting an intense fury in his chest.
He didn’t move when the tone pulsed again.
Pick up, goddamn it!Wynter snapped in his mind.Right now!
Still scowling, Nick triggered the channel.
He didn’t wait for anyone else to speak.