Rafael smiles.
“Here,” Kane adds, holding something out. “These should fit.”
A heap of fabric lands in Rafael’s lap. Some long-sleeved blue shirt, simple trousers, and a dark coat. Rafael notes the smaller size and glances up at Kane.
“Don’t worry. They’re not anyone special’s,” he explains as he straps on his usual armor. “Just some extras we keep for new members.”
Warmth creeps under Rafael’s shirt. “I wasn’t worried,” he mutters, standing from the bed.
Once he’s dressed, he turns to discover Kane already in his visor, securing weapons across his shoulders.
At the reminder, Rafael moves in close and presses his face to Kane’s armored chest. “Please be safe.”
Fingers curl around his neck. “I always am.” Kane’s voice is steady, edged with seriousness. “But you need to be, too. Take Pixie with you—or someone I approve—if you go outside.”
“Okay.” Rafael tips his head up, rises onto his toes, and captures Kane’s mouth in a kiss. When he pulls away, more words slip out. “Can I at least say goodbye before you leave?”
A startled laugh leaves Kane. “I’ll likely be downstairs for most of the morning. But why don’t you come with me and say hello to everyone?” He clears his throat, gaze flicking aside. “As far as I know…only Coda is aware you’re back.”
Rafael’s stomach flips. What will they think about him staying for good?
Then again, they’ve never given him a reason to worry before. “I’d love to,” he settles on.
Once they’re dressed, Kane leads them out of the apartment and down the stairs into the underground tunnel. Sensors line the brick walls, more than Rafael remembers, each one blinking along newly installed security panels.
“My uncle and his crew built this when they were starting out,” Kane says as they round a corner. “It runs under most of Shreveport—gets us to places like Dragoon’s Rest, the med bay, even a safe house, without being seen.” He glances at Rafael with a smirk. “Might come in handy if Athena ever makes a serious move.”
Rafael hums. It’s the first time anyone’s actually explained the tunnels to him, despite how many times he’s walked them. And unlike before, every step doesn’t set him on edge.
Near the entrance to Dragoon’s Rest, vintage jazz hums through the walls. When the doors slide open, Rafael blinks.
The bar is empty. No off-duty crew. No locals at the holo-billiards table. Only a flash of dark hair and bright color at the counter.
“Echo,” Rafael blurts.
She swivels on the stool with a grin. “Hey, kid! Long timeno see.” Echo throws a wink at Kane, whose jaw tightens.
He peers down at Rafael. “I’ll give you two a moment,” Kane tells him, then drills his gaze across the bar to Echo. “Briefing in five minutes.”
Echo gives a slight inclination, her shoulders tensing.
With a quiet goodbye only for Rafael’s ears, Kane pivots and marches toward the back room. His attention remains on Echo until he slips through the doorway.
Only then does her cheerfulness return. “Have a seat, doc!” Echo kicks the nearest stool. “We’ve got a lot to cram into five minutes.”
The shift in mood isn’t lost on him. Perhaps Kane and his crew are a lot more tense these days. But it’s not his place to push. Rafael slips onto the stool beside her. “How’d you know I was here?”
A chuckle rolls from her. “I can make Coda talk…and I might’ve seen Kane rush you back to the bar.” She wiggles her brows.
Color rises to Rafael’s neck. Their reunion was brief but intense, cut short by Kane’s nightly patrol.
“Here.”
He looks over as a mug of coffee glides down the bar toward him.
“So, tell me,” Echo starts as Rafael takes a sip. “Is this visit…morepermanent?”
“Uh—” Rafael shifts his weight. “Yes, I am. Hopefully, that’s okay with you…and the rest of the crew?”