The bald statement rang with truth. Like Eli, the marine had probably seen more than his fair share of how the weak and innocent suffered in this world. He waited for Tyson to continue.
“I’ve put as much thought into my endgame as you did before you walked down off that mountain.” His laugh was bitter. “When I was recruited from the marines, I believed in our mission. But somewhere along the way, there was a change in management and the type of missions we were assigned. Like I told Major Voss, I didn’t sign on to hunt our own.”
Time for another hard question. “When did you die?”
Another laugh, this one a little more lighthearted. “The first time? I was up on a roof hiding from my foster father, who was a mean drunk. When he dragged me back down the ladder with him, I took a header to the ground. They pronounced me dead at the scene, but I revived on the way to the morgue. That scared the hell out of everybody, me included.”
Eli clenched his fists. “Tell me they didn’t send you back to that same foster home.”
“Not after I told them he deliberately threw me to the ground from the roof. He went to jail while me and the other kids got sent to different homes.”
Damn, he hurt for the kid Tyson had been, but he knew better than to let it show. Meanwhile, Tyson continued with his story. “The next time, I was out on a long-range sniper patrol and took one in the chest. I still remember the world going black. The next day, I hiked back to camp bloody but no worse for the wear. That’s when I was recruited for the spec-ops group.”
Lonzo finally joined them in the small clearing. “It would be easier on all of us if there was an owner’s manual that explained all the perks that come hardwired in our DNA.”
Eli had been aware of the Paladin’s approach. “That would be useful. I would’ve settled for knowing I wasn’t crazy.”
Lonzo smiled as he sat down on a large log. “Sorry, but crazy is pretty much part of the package. Our other sterling qualities include hot tempers, faster-than-normal reflexes, and an immune system that’s resistant to pretty much everything. Most of us are above average in height and strength. We have an inborn need to defend the barrier between us and Kalithia, which only gets stronger the more you’re around it. That driving need to serve and protect is why both of you ended up in elite military units.”
Tyson looked confused. “Where the hell is Kalithia? Sounds like someplace in the Middle East, but I’ve never heard of it.”
At least Eli knew that much. “It’s actually another world that somehow butts up next to this one. That’s where the crazies with the swords came from.”
Lonzo took over from there. “Don’t worry, Tyson. If you accept the offer I’ve been authorized to make you, a peek into Kalithia will be included with the guided tour. For now, just know that our ability to heal stems from someone from that world dipping their toes in the human gene pool.”
He held up his hand to forestall the barrage of questions he knew was coming. “I’ll explain everything, but not right now. I’ve still got to deal with Chief Dennell, and it’s been a bitch of a day for everybody. I do need to tell you a couple of things before we go inside.”
He held up one finger. “Regardless of how this plays out, both of you need rock-solid identities to hide from the folks hunting you. Even if you don’t accept the offer I’m about to make, we’ll help you with that. When my friends get through, your records will stand up to anybody’s scrutiny. If you need help relocating, we can do that, too. We take care of our own.”
Tyson didn’t look convinced, but Eli was willing to give them a chance. “And what’s this offer you’ve mentioned?”
“There are never enough of us to go around. If you want a job doing the kind of stuff you’re trained to do, come work with us. You were born Paladins. Here’s your chance to find out what that really means. You’d be based here in Seattle for now. Think it over, and let me know.”
Then he stood up and walked away. Eli hung back to give both him and Tyson time to process what Lonzo had just thrown at them.
Tyson looked a bit dazed. “Is he on the up-and-up? I mean, all that stuff about another world—that’s crazy talk, right?”
Not all that long ago, Eli would’ve agreed with that assessment, but not now. “It’s crazy, all right. But here’s the thing: I’ve actually been to Kalithia.”
Not to mention the woman he loved was born there. “Let’s go. I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”
Tyson remained silent until they were in sight of the cabin. Then he nodded as if he’d just reached a decision. “What have I got to lose? I’ll give Lonzo and company a chance. If it doesn’t work out, I can always disappear.”
Eli couldn’t fault the man for hedging his bets. He pretty much felt the same way. When they walked inside, Safara was hovering near the door and walked straight into his arms. “Is everything okay?”
Considering Lonzo had just offered him a way to stay in the area where he could watch over Safara and her people, even if from a distance, things were a whole lot better than just okay. Hell, just a short time ago, he was alone and afraid to trust anyone. Now he was surrounded by all of these people, some from his old life and some from his new one, all of whom knew his secrets and would protect them.
He smiled down at the woman who held his heart in her hands. “Everything might just be fine.”
21
It was clear from the smile on his face that Eli had connected with the Paladins. Good for him. It would certainly be better than having him disappear completely. She was happy for him. Really. Sort of, anyway.
He and Tyson were in the kitchen piling their plates high with food. Somehow Tyson had gone from prisoner to guest, although she doubted he was really trusted. For his part, he tried to act relaxed while at the same time keeping his back to the wall so no one could slip up behind him. She couldn’t blame the man for being skittish. Just like Eli and his two friends, Tyson had been dragged into a whole new reality.
Her father looked happier. When she’d come back inside, he’d been talking with Barak. The Kalith warrior had remained beside him when Lonzo cornered Jakes for a short but intense discussion. She didn’t know what had been said, but both men had looked satisfied by the interaction.
Right now, Doc and Mike were having a good-natured argument over the chances of one of the local pro sports teams with Hunter and Larem.
