Page 32 of Breaking Point
The guards marched along the narrow lane running beside the wall buildings.They didn’t turn off as they reached the road that passed between the Second and Third walls, but continued on.
When they reached the corner of the Fourth wall, they turned into the lane that wove around Luciana’s office and headed into the markets, or you could walk through the markets to reach the Fifth Wall, on the other side.
The guards all moved toward Luciana and Caelen and Devar, where they stood with their hands on the railing of her office.
Now they were around the corner, and her view was unobstructed, Luciana saw that Brice was among them.Her heart gave a heavy thud that hurt.What was Brice doing with Bridge Guards?Bronson was there, too.That made this Association business?
What business could possibly involve Bridge Guards?
One of the guards, who had epaulettes on his shirt, came right up to the railing, facing them.
Luciana swallowed.Fear gripped her throat.She looked at Brice, hoping he would telegraph in some way what this was about.Or even come over to her side.He stood with his arms crossed.His expression was blank.She could read nothing.
The guard said to Devar, “You are Devar Todd?”
Devar’s eyes narrowed.“Yes.That’s me.”
The guard nodded.“I am Orvar Milic, Captain, Bridge Division, Bridge Security.I am placing you under arrest.You need to come with us to the Bridge, where we will process the charges.”
Luciana’s mind was blank.All she could think was a bewilderedWhat is happening?I don’t understand!She looked at Brice once more.He had not moved.He didn’t look at her.
“Charges?”Caelen repeated in a choked voice.“Whatcharges?”
Captain Milic rested his hand on the butt of the gun on his hip.He hadn’t taken his gaze off Devar.“Step around the railing, please.”
Devar licked his lips.“By the constitution of theEndurance, I am entitled to know what the charges are.”
“We’re starting with fraud,” Milic said.
Starting with?
Milic waved.“Get around here.Now.Or I and a few of my men will step around and deal with you there.”
Luciana’s mind chattered.Thethreatin his voice!The look on the other guards’ faces.She couldfeelthe violence in them.She looked helpless at Brice.Why was he not saying anything?Why was he here, watching silently that way?
When Devar did not move immediately, some of the guards stepped forward.They had batons as well as guns and they were all gripping them, holding them half-raised, ready to react.
Devar threw up his hands.“I’m moving.”His voice didn’t rise.Luciana could see that he was thinking hard.He moved over to the gap in the railing on that side of the office and stepped through.
Immediately, four of the guards surrounded Devar.His arms were yanked back and secured.
He looked over the top of the guards, for he was tall enough to do that.His gaze met Luciana’s, and shifted to Caelen, then back.“I didn’t do this.Whatever this is.”
“This,” Milic said heavily, “is the murder of fifty-three people, and the countless injury to others.Including your own mother.”He pushed his face into Devar’s.“By the time we’re through with you, fraud will be the least of your worries.”
Caelen cried out wordlessly, clutching the railing.Luciana leaned on the rail, her knees weak and her whole body trembling.“No…” she whispered.She refused to believe it.
“I didn’t do it, Caelen,” Devar said.His voice was still cool.Of course it was.Devar rarely showed real emotions.He kept them all contained, even though Luciana knew that emotions ran hotter in Devar than many people.
Luciana looked at Brice.“Why are you here, Brice?I don’t understand.”
Milic’s smile grew.“It’s not just the Bridge that wants this one’s hide for what he did to the arena.It’s the Tankball Association bringing the charges, on behalf of everyone on theEndurance.”
He waved, and the guards pulled Devar around and marched him back along the path.Brice turned wordlessly and went with them.
Luciana didn’t remember sitting down, yet she found herself in the armchair, her feet sprawled, hanging over the arm, as if she might be sick.She could hear Caelen sobbing and couldn’t summon the strength to go and comfort her.The pain in Luciana’s middle was expanding, draining her of everything, including thought.
Chapter Twelve
