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"I'roup"

"The group?" asked Owen, forcing the question to sound mild

Brian's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper "The Swarm"

Owen slapped the back of Brian's head with his free hand, ain,"

ordered Owen

Brianto rub the spot but wisely stopped hiot it, man We're cool"

Cool The child clearly had no concept of as within the organization--practically Mr Lark's right hand If Owen had the luxury of ti Brian the specialized skills he brought to the Swarm "What are your orders?"

"Sa with all her work"

"And you think you're a better man for the job?"

Brian hesitated, and Owen encouraged hi the barrel of his pistol ainst the boy's skull

"He said you ht be competition"

"Competition? You think you're in a class to compete with e The cocky boy was actually issuing hi to do would be just to pull the trigger and have the matter settled One less fool in the world But that would have been loud andup that kind of ht

Brian's presence was a probleift from Mr Lark for his years of faithful service

Owen's an to churn with ideas of how he could put the boy to good use His youth was a definite asset

Young bait was always best--it tugged at all those parental instincts he knew so ether," Owen offered

"Isn't that against the rules or so? I mean, if you help me, then I haven't really earned the invitation into the Sw- uh, group, have I?"

"I assure you that Mr Lark doesn't care how the work gets done as long as it does"

"So it won't ruinidiot It was a wonder the boy had lived this long "No In fact, Mr Lark will see you as clever for getting me to partner up with you"

"You'd let hierly

"Why not? I've already earned my place"

"For real? You ain't shittin'behind Brian so the kid couldn't see his disgust If Brian was this gullible, Oas doing the world a favor by getting rid of hiun and stepped into the firelight letting the boy see his scars Brian flinched "Holy shit! That's harsh"

Owen's trigger finger twitched, but he kept himself in control "You have no idea Now put out that fire before David sees it and you get us both killed"

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Noelle let out a sigh of relief as soon as she was sure David was asleep She'd been unable to concentrate with hi not to

He was beautiful with the faint light painting shadows over his strong jaw and muscular shoulders He looked confident and capable, even in sleep, and had a presence that could fill a lecture hall In the tiny cabin, Noelle was feeling a bit overwhelmed Especially after that kiss She desperately needed to finish her work so they could get out of this place

And go where?