Chapter 268 - Shady with a Chance of Conspiracy (2/2)

[But?] Arei asked with a chuckle.

Ry let out a long breath. ”It's just going to complicate things is all...”

A heavy frown fell over his expression. [There's nothing to be complicated, she's where she should be now... where she should have been all along. She'll even tell you she and the pup had no future. Now it's time for him to realize that.]

”You seem very settled on that idea. Will you be as confident when the two of you are working side by side with us?” Ry asked, honestly concerned.

Arei thought it over for a few seconds longer than necessary. [Confident... no... trusting... yes... I love her, and she loves me. I put my faith in her and her unswayable devotion.]

Ry arched a brow. ”Bold move considering her unswayable devotion has been swayed more than once before.”

[You know it was much more complicated than that. We've worked through everything that's important.]

Ry let out a heavy sigh. ”I only worry for your wellbeing. I saw what it did to you the first time you lost her.”

[I don't plan to repeat that a second time. So, there's nothing for you to worry about where she and I are involved. Just focus on helping the kid and keeping him from showing his a.s.s too bad. We'll see you guys' tomorrow evening.] Arei said before ending the call.

Ry blew out a long breath. ”I hope you're right...” He mumbled as he shoved his phone back into his pocket. He pulled the door open and was surprised to meet the small group he'd left in the study coming down the hall toward him. ”Where are you guys off to?”

Poseidon's smile widened. ”We were just looking for you. We're going on a field trip!”

Drake shook his head from under the heavyweight of Poseidon's arm. ”This guy is way too excited about this shit... I'm starting to believe I'd be safer with the black-market dealers.” He laughed uncomfortably.

Ry shrugged. ”What can I say, he's a hugger when he gets drunk.”

Russ chuckled as he walked past them. ”Better than what I've heard you do when drunk...” He gave Ry's shoulder a playful pat as he headed toward the elegant front staircase.

Drake and Giorgos exchanged curious looks. ”Alright, I just have to ask... What are your relations here? You seem too close to be work relations...”

Giorgos chuckled as he followed Russ close behind. ”I have to admit, I've been curious myself.”

Ry shrugged. ”There's no lie Don and I are here in the interest of the council and governing Gods, but we also really like the prince.” Ry sent them both a wide grin. ”Surprising, isn't it? That Prince Grouch can actually be likable?!” They both nodded.

”I have to admit, Russ isn't like any prince we've had on this island.” Giorgos replied as he watched Russ interact with a guard. The guard had nearly folded in half in a deep bow and Russ was arguing with the man to be less respectful.

”There is no reason to do that.” Russ growled as he tugged the man back upright. He bent to meet the man's adverted gaze. ”If you want to show your loyalty, keep quiet and don't let anyone follow us.”

”Yes, Sire!” The man said as he stiffened to attention.

Russ placed a soothing hand on the man's shoulder. ”It's just Russ, alright. If you want to earn my favor all you have to do is be someone I can rely on, understand?”

The man stiffened again as he said. ”Yes, Sir- Russ... Sir...”

Russ blew out an exasperated breath. ”Just Russ...”

Ry chuckled as he walked past the two and pushed open the hidden panel. ”You just as well give up on that front, kid... They've been trained for generations to react as such.”

”Yep... A real pain in the a.s.s to deprogram.” Poseidon said as he released Drake and pushed him forward, still pretending to be drunk.

Drake arched a brow as the unusual man followed behind him through the secret passage. ”And what is your part in all this, exactly?”

Poseidon shrugged. ”We all have our useful qualities.” He nodded toward Ry. ”He's the brawn, I'm the brains,” He nodded to Giorgos. ”He knows the island best, and you, my new friend have the ability to work as our spy for the time being.”

Drake frowned. ”And you honestly believe Fernando will still trust us after tonight?”

Russ shrugged as he pulled open the door leading down into the bas.e.m.e.nt. ”He doesn't need to trust us... only you or at the very least your brother... That is, as long as you trust your brother...”

Drake's frown deepened, ”I trust Mattie. He may be an idiot, but he's not a bad guy. He wants the same thing as I do.” He pointed toward a door as they made it to the bas.e.m.e.nt landing. ”The main laboratories are just past that door, past that is the cellars... I'm not sure what's past that, but I'm guessing it's where the harvests take place and where the victims are kept.”

Ry walked around the room looking over various stations. ”How far have you personally been inside this area?”

”Only through the cellars. The night you guys crashed the dinner party, we were supposed to tour the 'other products'.” Drake emphasized the words.

”Do you think you or your brother could get another invitation?” Ry asked.

Drake shrugged as he watched the four men take the room in sections. ”What is it you're looking for in here?”

Ry pulled open a drawer. ”We have reason to believe Fern was involved in the assassination of both sets of rulers before him... We need proof.”

Drake's eyes widened. ”I know he was involved in the attacks against the previous rulers, but his own parents?”

Ry nodded. ”Yes...”

”Damn... that's cold.” Drake murmured as he turned his attention to a workstation.

”You have no idea...” Russ growled as he flipped through a notebook. ”Hey look at this.” He said as he held the book up for the rest of them. ”I think I've found something.”