“She’ll fall on her own sword,” Kane finishes with a smile.
Cipher smiles. “Exactly.”
Kane’s hand settles on the tabletop, fingers beginning to drum.
He almost pushes. Almost decides what to do right then. Until Cipher’s warning lingers.
Laughter from the garden pulls his gaze to Rafael, deep in conversation with Avery. At ease, like he belongs here. Like this is already home.
His fingers fall slack. That’s what’s on the line.
“I’ll call the lieutenants,” Kane says, glancing back at Cipher.
They let out a snort. “Good.”
41
Chapter 41 - Rafael
Rafael watches the vidscreens above the bar, a cyber gladiator tournament flickering across the display.
A handful of midday regulars linger at the counter around him, synthohol in hand. Behind them, a few crew members he recognizes line up shots at the glowing billiards table, laughter rising above the bass thumping from hidden speakers.
The noise washes over him as he nurses his drink, soaking in the atmosphere, until a familiar voice cuts through it all.
“You know what to do. Let’s get started today.”
He twists in his seat to see Kane emerging from the back door, flanked by the usual lieutenants and Pixie—Viper’s replacement.
Instead of the tension from Rafael’s last visit, Wren speaks with Kane easily, her shoulders loose. Coda even shares a rare half-smile with Echo and Pixie. His mood lifts at the sight.
Kane catches his eye and flashes a grin before turning to Wren. When Rafael looks again, Echo and Wren are already walking over, with Coda—surprisingly—in tow. After days spent almost entirely with Kane, he’s already waving themover despite himself.
The trio weaves through the crowd, offering quick acknowledgments to familiar faces who lift their chins in greeting.
Echo reaches Rafael first, dropping a hand to his shoulder. “Hey, kid. Long time no see. How’re you holding up?”
“Yeah, I haven’t seen you much since I got promoted,” Pixie chimes in.
Coda clears his throat. “I hope you are well,” he adds.
Rafael blinks. Coda rarely speaks to him directly, if ever.
“I’m okay.” He smiles. “It’s been too long since I’ve seen everyone down here.” His focus shifts to Pixie. “And congrats, by the way! You earned that promotion. At least in my opinion, if that means anything.”
Pixie beams, straightening her armor—a high-grade vest with matching pauldrons, seams faintly pulsing green where the plates meet. A set he’s only seen on the lieutenants.
“I want in on these famous sandwiches,” Echo chuckles, sliding onto the barstool beside him and snagging a fresh mug from a passing waiter drone. “Can’t blame the boss man, though. After everything, I’d want to keep my partner locked away too.”
She tilts her head. “But maybe that wasn’t his only reason…”
Heat rushes to Rafael’s face. Before he can stammer out a response, Coda speaks up. “We’re relieved you’re safe.” There’s no teasing or sarcasm in his voice.
Echo and Pixie exchange a look, murmuring in agreement.
Rafael blinks, momentarily at a loss. Their support is more than he could’ve asked for.
“Thanks, guys. I wasn’t sure when I’d get to see you again,” he says. Then, after a pause, he forces a grin and throws hisarms out. “So…how’ve you all been?”