Bound by Darkness Read Free Page A

directly to the Board.”
    Once again, she panned the room, as if assessing each man individually before continuing. “You have absolutely no reason to trust me at this point, and I certainly don’t blame you for feeling that way. Too many times the organization has failed you. But I’d like to change that. Rest assured that I have the utmost respect for the Paladins and the amazing job you all do.”
    She drew a deep breath. “For starters, I plan to meetwith the Handlers to reestablish a set schedule for all types of testing, including scans.”
    Once again, murmurs of discontent started building. She ignored them and waited for silence to settle over the room before speaking again.
    â€œI am well aware that Colonel Kincade used scans as a punitive measure. I’ve already issued orders to ensure that practice will cease immediately. Diagnostic procedures are to be done on a regular schedule only, unless the Handlers feel a particular case warrants more frequent monitoring.”
    Larem bet that his eyes weren’t the only ones that immediately sought out Trahern. It was common knowledge that his test results had been getting steadily closer to the edge for years. They all knew that the only reason the Paladin still lived and breathed was because Brenna and Laurel had been too stubborn to give up on the man the last time he’d died. By all reports, it had been a close call. Too close.
    â€œIn that same vein, I’m happy to announce that I will be authorizing additional staff and funding to enable Dr. Young to continue her studies in that area. She and I will be discussing the matter in greater detail in the near future.”
    Trahern looked happier, but not by much. Devlin had left the administrator’s side to stand next to his longtime friend in a show of support. From the look the Willis woman gave him, she hadn’t missed the gesture or mistaken its meaning.
    â€œI will be studying all of your files, hoping to familiarize myself with everyone who is stationed here in Seattle,starting with the Paladins. As time allows, I’ll move on to the guards and other support personnel. I understand that we also have special guests living and working here in Seattle. I will be dealing with them, too.”
    Okay, so that definitely sounded like a threat to him. At least she hadn’t come right out and demanded that the local Kalith population be rounded up for immediate disposal. That didn’t mean she wouldn’t at some point. He doubted his friends would appreciate the dark turn of his thoughts, but then they had nothing to fear from the Regents. Paladins were too short in supply for their masters to risk alienating them completely.
    The meeting was evidently winding down as Sasha Willis continued. “I know you all have questions, ones I hope to answer in time. For now, I want to extend my personal gratitude for the work you’ve done, and continue to do, here in Seattle. Thank you for your attention, gentlemen.”
    Then she hopped down off the chair and made a beeline for the door. Once again, Devlin headed for the podium. His men fell silent, waiting to hear what their leader had to say.
    â€œLike the lady said. We have questions and she has no answers—yet. I’m asking that you give her a chance.”
    â€œWhat fucking choice do we have?”
    The comment came from somewhere in the middle of the pack, but Larem didn’t recognize the voice. Devlin must have, though, because he shot the guy a sharp look.
    â€œThe long and the short of it is, none at all, but let’s not assume the worst until we have to. I’ll say it again:give the lady a chance. She can’t be any worse than Kincade. Who knows, she might even surprise us. Now, get your asses back to work.”
    The grumbling this time sounded more like the usual kind. Lonzo made his escape, heading for the tunnels. D.J. muttered something about having an e-mail to check into