Chapter 5
1397 Words
3
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Rodin tapped listlessly on his screen as the others left, after Genna had said she wanted a word. Probably to complain about something he’d said again.
Vanya said she’d see him around, and he nodded as she passed through the door. But he noticed the look that passed between her and Genna. Scheming again. Things were so much easier when he worked on his own.
Scheming again.The door closed, and Genna sat back in her seat.
“Congratulations,” she said. “You only looked fed up a couple of times.”
“I’m getting better at withstanding torture.”
“That bad?”
This was a side of Genna Rodin couldn’t grasp. He looked for an insult or threat, but her body language spoke of friendly fun.
“I’m not cut out for meetings.”
“Which is why you want to head west. Right?”
So that’s what this was about. “Part of the reason. You know I’m better on my feet.”
So that’s what this was about.“Some might call that running away.”
“And others think that everything’s going to be fine now that Garrick’s gone.”
“Even with the warrior attacks?”
“You know how they treat those. Unless they’re involved, it’s like a story happening to someone else. And you always win, so there’s no danger. Not to them.”
Genna’s eyes bore into him, and he held her gaze. Eventually, she said, “You do them a disservice. Each time we repel an attack, it’s a victory to be celebrated. But they know things aren’t perfect. They know about the warriors in Red. They know the Dome is reaching out into our districts.”
“The Dome, or Authority?”
“To most people, they’re one and the same. You know that.” She leaned in. “But I know what you really struggle with. Being known.”
He took a breath, held it for a ten-count, then released. “I prefer the shadows.”
She looked him up and down. “Oh, you’re not too uncomfortable on the eye.”
“Didn’t think I was your type.”
Her smile wavered for a moment, and then she sat back. “You’re more popular than you realise, Rodin. There’s even tales of your time in the wilds.”
“Stories. Wouldn’t believe a word of them.”
“Doesn’t matter if they’re true or not. You’re a hero. And before you argue against that, it doesn’t matter what you think. It’s how you’re seen, and it helps the district, helps me. Any happiness you see out there, it’s a facade, a way of showing hope. You’re a part of that. You fight for what is right, even though you’re one of the most awkward curmudgeons I’ve ever dealt with. But you fight for those who can’t, you put yourself in danger to protect others. You’re an asset to the district, whether you like it or not.”
“So I’m another tool in your box.”
She smiled. “One time, you would’ve described yourself as a weapon.”
“Don’t feel sharp enough for that now.”
“And you still insist on pushing yourself down.”
He shrugged, flashed her a grin that hurt his face. “You know me.”
The smile dropped from Genna’s features. “I do. And so I know there’s something up. You didn’t offer to travel to the west just for me.”
She didn’t accuse him of anything, he noticed. Nor did she ask a question. Not directly. But her whole manner said she could wait for however long it took. Her body told him she’d find out the truth sooner or later.
“Okay,” he said. “Had a message from the Factory, couple of days ago. Didn’t think there was anything worth passing on. Not when you get intel from Vanya.”
She raised her eyebrows, and Rodin wondered if that had come out as some kind of accusation. But he wouldn’t deal with that now. He carried on.
“The message mentioned interest in the western Factory.”
“And you didn’t think that was important?”
“Cat’s interested in a lot of things. Hard to keep up.”
“But if his interests coincide with our own, that increases the interest. So they want to know more about the western Factory, right? I assume they’re sending out a team. Have to be small, so it doesn’t raise any alarms.” She tilted her head. “Anyone I’m familiar with on this team?”
Hell, this woman was infuriating.
Hell, this woman was infuriating.Rodin nodded. “Paskia and a couple of others.”
Genna smiled. “Sweet,” she said.
“It’s not like that. She’s not ready.”
“Not ready?”
“No.”
“I heard she coped admirably when you took over the Factory. And Vanya’s reports have a lot of good things to say about her. Sounds like she’s been training hard.”
“But not for a mission like this. You know her history.” Well, she knew the basics from Rodin. But Paskia had talked to Vanya enough times, so Genna undoubtedly knew more. “She’s only been in the districts a matter of months.”
“Almost a year,” Genna said. “And Cat trained her.”
“You trust him?” Did he say that too fast?
Did he say that too fast?“I trust him to look after his own interests. And that includes your friend. If he has any say in this reconnaissance mission—and I’m sure he does—I doubt he’d field any agents he thought weren’t up to the job.”
“But he can’t be right all the time.” Rodin sighed. “I just feel uncomfortable with this decision, okay? I don’t think she’s up to it, and…and I don’t want to see her fail because he’s pushed her too fast. But I won’t get involved. Not unless it’s necessary.”
Genna watched him, fingers of one hand tapping on the table. Then she nodded.
“Fair enough. Just wanted to know.”
“Before you made your decision?”
“Oh, I’ve already decided. Makes sense to use you as my envoy.”
It took Rodin a second for that to sink in. “Envoy? You want me to go straight to the Brothers?”
“I want to win their trust. Can’t do that without some kind of honesty.”
“What about my history with them?”
“I reckon you can make that work to your advantage. Cobey might hold a grudge, but I’m pretty sure Jornas accepts that was a contract, nothing personal. You talk to them on my behalf, it shows I’m seeing this as a fresh start, willing to overlook past difficulties. We need to stop whatever Authority’s doing, but first we have to win the Brothers over, get them to join our alliance.”
“Makes sense.” There were far too many counter-arguments, but Rodin would deal with them later. “You want me gone as soon as possible?”
“When does the mission from the northern Factory get into the district?”
“That important?”
She shrugged. “Go when you’re ready. But respect me in one thing—you’re my envoy. Don’t make me regret my choice.”
Rodin laughed. “Is this a contract? You want me to sign something?”
“Would that mean anything?”
He waved a hand. “If you got Leopold to write it, I wouldn’t even understand it. But you’ll want reports, right?”
“I’ll expect to be informed of progress. Aleph can get you a decent screen if you don’t have one.”
“Thanks.” And, of course, that screen would have a way of tracking Rodin’s location. But he could live with that. “Anything else? Any instructions?”
“I trust your judgement.”
“No pressure then.”
Genna smiled. “Thought you thrived on pressure?”
She rose and left, and Rodin leaned back in his chair, wondering how she’d convinced him to work for her once more.
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