A Hero in the Dark: 2nd Edition

Chapter 116: His Only Heir

Nine sits beside me in the helicopter, surprisingly self-centred. Meanwhile John won't stop watching me across from him. I try to keep my gaze flat on the scenery passing by though.

"So, are either of you going to tell me where we're going?" he asks, being the first to speak during the whole trip so far. "I don't like rocking up to things blind, you know."

Nine sighs. "Switzerland," he answers, but I think John already knew that part. "Close enough to the Alps so we'll be able to intervene when shit hits the fan."

"You know that's not what I meant."

Of course that wasn't what he meant. John wants to know where I'm going and if I'll be okay. I bet it's the only reason he's coming with us today. I roll my eyes, being sure he won't see.

It isn't until Nine nudges me in the ribs that I spit, "Why does it matter? It's not like you'll be there if anything goes wrong." I wasn't planning on telling him where exactly I'm meeting Einar, and I hope I won't have to. Besides, if worse comes to worse, they can always use the tablet to activate the device in my arm—not that they'll need to. "Not that anything will go wrong," I add.

"I'm only asking because I care about you," he claims. "Is that so bad?"

"Bad? Yeah, that's one word for it. Bad that you have no faith in me."

"I don't want to see you get hurt!"

"What makes you think I will get hurt?! Why do you always think something bad is going to happen to me?! It won't! For God's sake. I'm not going to do anything stupid."

"You're allying with a guy that manipulates peoples' emotions!" he cries. "And last time you met him, he drowned you in a lake! Do you have any idea how dangerous this is?"

"Of course I do," I spit. "But do you have a better idea to put these people in their place?"

"No, but we can figure something else out..." he says, quieter now, but by his tone, I don't think he's referring to the Foundation; I think he's talking about us. Geez, the thought alone makes me squirm in my seat. I don't need this right now.

I cross my arms and turn away from him, not wanting him to see the affect he still has on me, and quietly, I mutter, "There's nothing to figure out."

"Ok, let's calm down for a second," Nine juts in. "Honestly, John. Why do you need to do this right before a big mission?"

"Mission? So that's what you're calling it now? It was your idea to involve her in any of this in the first place. If anything happens, I'm holding you accountable."

From the corner of my eye, I see the pilot make a swiping motion beside his neck. I think he wants us to cut off the chatter.

"Completely," Nine utters, sighing in my headphones. "Look, Em's meeting him in a town just outside of Switzerland. We're dropping her off ten or so miles away from it. Happy?"

"Not completely."

"Get used to it," I state, not meeting any of their eyes anymore, and for the rest of the ride, the flight is silent except for the whomping sound of the rotors spinning.

***

"You're sure you'll be alright?" John asks as I climb out of the chopper.

"For the millionth time, yes," I reiterate.

"We'll be waiting close to the Alps," Nine reminds me. "Let us know when the deal's taking place and we'll fly up to you. You ready to stop mega-weirdos, Em?"

I nod. "I'm not letting any of them get away this time," I note. "Especially Einar."

Nine nods back expectantly, but John doesn't look happy. Fortunately, I don't give a hoot about what John thinks of this. I'm doing this with or without his opinion. "Be careful," he mutters, and for a moment I think he might hug me, but he doesn't.