Page 117 of The Fighter
Magni groaned. “Or we could just eliminate all threats like we usually do.”
I took a step back.
“Relax, Leo. I’m not talking about you and Raven. It’s that neighbor of Henry that I don’t trust.”
Khan closed his eyes for a second. “But the thought of winning an election, though. It would be satisfying.”
Magni groaned. “Sounds like you’re going to follow Pearl’s suggestion then?”
The brothers had serious expressions on their faces and their eyes locked. “The question is willwefollow her suggestion? You know I can’t do it alone.”
Magni snorted and raised his amputated arm. “I’m not going to be much help to you. Not like this. If anything, I’ll make you look weak.”
“No, you won’t!” It burst out of me.
They turned their heads like they’d forgotten I was there.
“You saved my life in that crash, Magni, and I’ll tell that story to any journalist who will listen.”
His face was impassive. “It doesn’t matter how many lives I’ve saved. All our people will see is a weakling and a has-been.” Again, Magni closed his eyes and it was clear he was drained from the talking.
Khan drew a heavy sigh. “Leo, I’ll talk to you later.”
I left the room to find Raven and Solo sitting on the staircase further down the hallway, waiting for me.
“What did Khan want to talk to you about?” Raven got up and brushed the back of her pants.
“He had some questions.”
Solo rose to his full height too and next to Raven, he looked gigantic. “About what?”
“About this whole election thing.”
Solo wrinkled his forehead. “Since when does Khan care what anyone thinks but Magni and Pearl? And why did he want to talk to you about it and not me?”
“Because you’re family; he knows he has your vote. I’m an outsider; he wanted to know if I would vote for him.”
“Ahh. That makes sense.” Solo scratched his head and looked down at his wristband. “I have to get back to Willow. She’s called me three times already.”
“Is she okay?”
“She’s fine, but apparently Nora is whiney and has a fever.” Solo raised his arm and we bumped shoulders in a manly hug. “Keep me updated, will ya?”
“Will do.”
As he descended the stairs two steps at a time, Raven gave me a hopeful smile. “So, do you think there’s going to be an election?”
“They’re discussing it right now. Come on.” I took her hand and began my way down the stairs. “I need to find a drink. This meeting had me sweating through my shirt.”
“I know. Geez, Leo, when Magni said they would have to eliminate all threats and asked if they could trust us, I thought you were going to pull a gun or something.”
“Yeah, that was a tense moment for sure.” I squeezed her hand tighter. “I’m grateful it ended the way it did.”
Raven was quiet and didn’t look as relieved as I felt.
“What’s wrong? Why are you quiet?”
“Is it wrong that I’m slightly disappointed that it was just an accident? I was so sure that Dina was murdered.”
