The Plagues of Pandora

CHAPTER FORTY FIVE

It felt good to be sat inside the spacious, bright bar in the heart of DC. Drake sat back and surveyed the scene, finally relaxing now he knew the whole company was safe. Alicia had returned sometime during the afternoon, fresh, clean and smiling. Drake concealed his relief and affection for her and gave her the dead eye.

“Why the hell are you walking like a cowboy?”

“Piss off, Drake.” But she smiled and he grinned back.

Now, the teams were letting their hair down, partying together inside the warm bar as the darkness of night pressed against the lighted windows. Rum and tequila flowed and Collins was up on the dance floor, grabbing every man and woman she could and drawing them into a euphoric, music-filled expression of her love for life. For being happy, because life and happiness can be short-lived.

Drake sat opposite Dahl, a pint in his hand.

“To saving the world,” Drake said. “Again.”

Dahl clinked glasses. Drake took a deep swig of the heavy nectar. Beyond the rim of the glass he watched Mai, sitting at a separate table with Grace. The young girl’s eyes darted eagerly, as if she wanted to jump up and join in the party, but Mai held her back, trying to get some point across.

Drake had been surprised to see Mai tonight. The Japanese woman had explained that she felt honored to be a part of the great team and would respect their celebration; after all this could be the only time in their lives that these people came together. A sobering thought if ever there was one.

Drake watched as Collins dragged Hayden and Kinimaka onto the dance floor, joining those already there.

“So we have to face the fact that somebody gave away our hotel’s location in Niagara Falls,” Drake said. “A mole?”

“It was a big team,” Dahl said. “With support personnel too. The nurses and doctor. Parts of the FBI and Canadian police. We’re unlikely ever to find out. And Webb — like it or not, the man has power. And deep pockets.”

“Do you believe the Pythians have suffered a setback?”

“No. Not at all. I believe they have a number of plans on-running and will end when they choose to. If ever.”

Hayden came over to them then, a phone pressed to her ear. “Just got word,” she said. “General Stone hung himself. Tonight. In his cell. Bastard won’t ever stand trial for what he did.”

Alicia sat forward. “And Dudley? He worried me the most.”

“Still alive. Still in custody. They’re moving him to a black site in the next few days.”

Drake frowned, wondering if SPEAR should take charge of that operation, and then waved away the work talk. Instead he stared at Dahl. “So? Dropped out of private school, eh? Why did you never mention that?”

“None of your bloody business. I mean, me? Part of the rich crowd? Belonging to the set who already had a job for me in mind when I was eight? Already feathering my bed and shaping my future? Told what to do and when to speak since I could form words? I don’t think so. That’s chains, man, believe it or not. Besides, would it make you treat me any different?”

“Don’t be daft.”

“Thought so.”

“You’re a good man, Dahl.” Later, Drake would put it down to the beer talking.

“I know.”

The music swelled and the drinks flowed. Collins came over and danced by their table, taking them all into a bear hug. The guys from the Razor’s Edge were left grinning in her wake.

Drake lifted his glass. “To you.”

Trent nodded. “If you’re ever in LA…”

Silk and Radford dropped down on nearby chairs. “Take the bus!”

Laughter rang out, and the world was happier, safer and full of camaraderie.

For a while.