Broken Wings (Cruel and Beautiful World, Book One 1) (52 page)

"There could be a million reasons -"

"They're trying to keep someone inside! And then there's that damn Ruby -"

"Ruby?" said Talon, his stance calming. "You saw him again?"

"Yeah, in Willow," said Dakota. "He told me she's escaped and he knows where she is."

"Neetles told me you said he killed that other Guardian, too. Aila Parrish."

"I didn't see him kill her. I saw him attack her and then I saw them carrying her body away later," corrected Dakota.

Talon pursed his lips in thought.

"Talon, I know what you're thinking and you're wrong!" said Dakota, bringing Talon back to the here and now. "We cannot trust him."

"Those children from Willow did say they were saved by a Guardian who fit his description," said Nita, catching Talon's eye.

"No!" snapped Dakota. "He's trying to trick us, don't you see? Which is exactly why I want to bring him in! To find out why!"

"We already tried that, and it didn't go particularly well for me," said Talon.

"You tried to kidnap a Guardian?" asked Nita, her eyes widening. "When? Why?"

"We weren't trying to kidnap him," explained Talon. "We were trying to stop him from taking Reynard and that other guard's bodies."

"Yeah, and he seemed to think we were the ones who killed them," added Dakota.

"Yes, because Saevus wants
us
to look like the bad guys!" she shouted, bonking Talon on the head. "Idiots!"

"Yes, we're idiots," said Dakota. "When we don't have a plan. Give me permission to bring him in, Talon, and I promise I will come up with something brilliant."

"Talon, no," protested Nita. "Bringing Ruby here would be stupid and reckless."

"Then we won't bring him
here
," argued Dakota. "We'll find somewhere else."

Nita stamped her foot. "No! We don't take prisoners. If you go through with this it's a slippery slope until we're just as bad as they are."

"But nothing else has worked, Neetles," said Talon, his sea-green eyes as weary as ever. "It's been five years and the Resistance has barely made a mark. I want my sister back."

Nita sighed and shook her head. "Your father would never agree to -"

"Yeah, well, he's not exactly in a position to make that call right now, is he?" said Talon. "But I am. I'm in charge and I say if the plan is good then, Dax, you have my blessing. I'll find a way in. You find a way to get Ruby."

"Wise choice," said Dakota, smiling smugly at Nita. "You won't be disappointed."

"Make sure that I'm not," said Talon, returning to his map.

Dakota turned to leave.

"Do me a favor and turn off the radio, will you?"

He did just that, silencing the static that had taken over when the song had ended. Then he left Talon's room, and then the base, heading off to come up with a plan while waiting in his and Deryn's place. For as long as it took.