Splintered

Chapter Forty-Six: Deals & Promises

"What?" Leo and Vetch's voices collided in unison.

Both gaped at Hazel as if she'd misplaced her sanity. Not that an argument couldn't be made for her derangement. If anyone knew how unstable her reality was, she'd have been locked up by now.

She hadn't yet broken eye contact with Vetch when a strong hand clamped around her bicep.

Leo's voice was calmer than she expected.

"Excuse us for a moment."

Vetch and Vesper watched on, confused but utterly engrossed. If any of the injured were even slightly coherent, they too were likely watching the drama unfold, even if they couldn't fully hear it.

Patiently, she rose to her feet as he ushered her toward the far corner.

"What are you doing?"

Hazel raised her chin.

"Isn't it obvious?"

Leo's tired eyes narrowed.

"Obvious treason. I can't believe Festus was right, and this is becoming a pattern."

She leaned in, voice low. "I won't tell if you won't." Checking their two captives, just out of earshot. "And they'll be long gone."

He exhaled a fraying breath.

She proceeded to make her case, "It's not ideal, but we don't have time for deliberation or arguments. Bellona won't survive the cold much longer, let alone those wounds. We need to get her out of the elements. I promised you I would do whatever it takes."

Another deep sigh, and his eyes drifted closed as Hazel placed her palm over the one still curled around her arm.

"I trust you," Hazel continued, and she swore she caught a flinch. "Now you have to trust me." Her voice wavered, "I had no chance at saving my brother. I don't want that for you or Bellona, and we still have time."

He opened his eyes, though the torment behind them stayed.

"Okay." His hand fell away from her.

"Good," Hazel offered a mournful smile. "Now let's go get her."

As she turned back, there was a distinct murmur under his breath. He wasn't particularly satisfied with the arrangement, and she had to admit it was precarious, but Bellona would die if they weren't willing to risk it.

Together, they returned to their detainees, and Hazel addressed Vetch once again.

"Offer still stands."

"You sure 'bout that?" Vetch smirked, eyeing Leo, "Seems to be some debate."

"Like she said," Leo replied coldly.

"So do you accept?" Hazel urged.

Vesper was nodding while Vetch narrowed his eyes at Leo. "Fine. It's a deal. But only because you're offering to set us loose. Otherwise, I wouldn't lift a pinky for a Peacekeeper."

"Try anything," Leo growled, fingers twitching closer to his rifle, "and I'll drop you where you stand."

Hazel stepped forward, tapping his shoulder. "We don't have time."

With haste, Leo crouched and unclipped the cuff shackling Vetch to the table's frame. After undoing the first set, he didn't reach for the second.

"These stay." Leo grasped the chain and dragged the two toward the center of the room. "They'll come off once you've done what you promised.

Vetch dug his heels in, "Fat chance. This is all some typical peacekeeper manipulation. Go ahead and put that restraint back on."

Hazel held up her hand to Leo, easing between the two again, "Give me the key."