Free Emergence (Eden's Root Trilogy) by Rachel Fisher Page B

in the radio room for broadcasts. But today was different. Today, Silas was one step closer to the thing that Carter knew he wanted the most, total power over the security of the new world. He smiled at his lead attack dog. How fortunate that he’d seen the promise in this disturbed excuse for a man.
    When Silas had found their settlement, he’d been a walking skeleton. Otherwise, Carter was quite sure that things would have gone differently. But unlike most of his “Angels,” Silas wasn’t stupid. Ruthless, yes. Soulless, yes. But not stupid. He saw what Carter was doing with the “Movement,” with his power of persuasion, and he struck a deal. He promised to serve as security and hatchet man if needed, and in exchange he’d be Carter’s “Number One” when they took over the new world.
    It was a tenuous agreement, born of greed and necessity, but it held. The truth was Carter needed Silas, and he knew it. Someone had to do the dirty work of the Movement. And if Silas wanted to be more than just another wild dog roaming the wilderness, he needed Carter. For now, anyway.
    Carter’s attention shifted back to his address . “As you settle in to your new home, I ask only that you remain peaceful and reflective. And now, for the last thing.” He paused, taking a sip of his water. A childish corner of him wished for a drum roll. It would be so…right. “I ask the Angels to bring me the one who sought immortality. Bring me Dr. Darryl Heil.”
     
    Twenty minutes later, Carter sat at the wooden table in his cabin as a small, dark-haired man was ushered into the room, his hands bound with a cable tie.
    Silas led Dr. Darryl Heil to the chair opp osite Carter and shoved him down. “This is the one, Father.”
    “ Thank you. You may leave us.”
    Silas’ eyebrows rose for a second, and then he nodded and turned, before stopping at the door. “Oh, and Father? I wanted to let you know the Underground reported that Jeron and Terry have settled into their posts with the outlying followers.”
    Carter frowned . “What? Why on Earth did you send them out there this deep into the winter? I didn’t order that.”
    “Yes, well they have to realize that they can’t cause havoc and come back empty handed and expect the cushy jobs. Not on my team.” Silas crossed his arms. “It is my team, right, Carter?”
    Carter bristled. Silas didn’t have to use that tone with him, or his first name for that matter. Especially in front of the Liar. He regarded Silas with a raised brow and then shifted his gaze to Heil. He had more important concerns than Silas and his struggle for independence. And he supposed that sending Jeron and Terry out to guard the families farthest from the settlement was a fair punishment. “Yes, Silas, of course the Angels are your team.”
    “And you trust me to run it, right?”
    “Of course. I just wish you had run it by me, that’s all.” He sighed. Keeping Silas under wraps was enough of an effort. He should just let Silas keep the others under control as he saw fit.
    “Good . Because I’m not doing this for my health, Father .” Silas left in a huff.
    Carter turned his gaze to Darryl and tilted his head, examining the man who had caused this whole mess. The kernel of frustration left in his chest from his disagreement with Silas seemed to grow the longer he stared at the little man. How was it possible that someone so sniveling, so insignificant, could be the culprit? It was almost inconceivable.
    His mind flew to another small creature — an innocent, lying still in the folds of silk, arms crossed as if cold… His breathing grew ragged as the familiar red film of rage colored his vision. He’d been waiting for this moment for a long time, poised in anticipation. The Hammer of God.
    Though Carter could see anxiety in Darryl’s dark eyes, he also saw that his chin was held high. His mistake , Carter thought. That pride is his downfall . “Dr. Heil,” he began, “how are your compatriots