Page 18 of Cavern of Silence

Hunter is the first to join me. I decide not to say anything to him, especially since I wasn't exactly an upstanding professional a few hours ago.

As I expected, no one knows where Interpol wants us to drop the women off. We all express our concern and agree to talk to Andre about it.

Axel and I open the crates from Interpol and pull out cooking items to make breakfast.

I check out the food container. "Looks like pancakes."

Axel takes a peek. "At least they sent syrup this time."

"Since when don't they send syrup?"

"The last year has kind of been hit or miss. I think they might be going through some changes in their packaging department."

The last year."What else have I missed out on?"

"That's the excitement. It hasn't been the same without you. We're all glad you're back."

"Thanks. I am, too."

"Andre told Interpol to get you off the toddler squad at least a dozen times."

"He told me."

"How bad was it?"

"Totally sucked."

He snorts. "I bet. All the new recruits?"

"Yep. A lot of them aren't even ex-military."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah. I was surprised, too. Still can't believe they kept me away for an entire year."

"Away from what?"

I turn. Julieta and Penelope are waiting for me to answer.

She looks like a goddess even when she first wakes up.

"Rescuing damsels in distress," Axel teases. "Here, have a seat."

Penelope sits on one of the stumps near Axel.

Julieta steps next to me and quietly asks, "Why did they keep you away?"

"Morning," I say to avoid the question. "Did you sleep?"

"Yeah. Did you?"

"Not really. Never do when I'm on missions."

She studies my face.

"Are you trying to count my wrinkles?"

"See, that's where life just isn't fair."