Free Unforgettable (Talented Saga #6) by Sophie Davis Page A

be
entered into lightly.
    “ Yes, the council has known
about their organization for quite some time. Unfortunately, the
need for civil diplomatic relations has made it difficult, if not
impossible, to take action. We have needed the support of the
Poachers’ clients and allies in order to keep the Coexistence
Treaty in effect.”
    Something in Victoria’s long-winded
explanation rang false. Not like she was outright lying, so much as
she was omitting a piece of the truth. Though I considered taking a
look into her mind, something stopped me.
    Concern for her privacy
wasn’t the issue. Victoria was the last person I cared about
upsetting by invading her privacy. It was because I
wanted— needed —her
on my side with this issue. Even though I didn’t agree with the
council’s reticence with regards to going after the Poachers, I did
understand the need for diplomacy. But this was Kenly we were
talking about. She was my mentee. I’d promised to be there for her.
To protect her. To take care of her. The thought of her in the
Poachers’ hands made me sick.
    And right now, Victoria was actually
willing to move against the vile organization. It was best to not
question that. If she and the council had been turning a blind eye
for years, they could decide at any moment that continued ignorance
was the best path forward. I would not be able to accept
that.
    “ When do I leave?” I asked.
“I can be ready to go in ten minutes.”
    “ We ,” Erik interjected. “I’m going with her.”
    “ Your enthusiasm is always
such a treat,” Victoria said dryly. “But you, Agent Lyons, can take
the next two hours to prepare. You need to assemble a team to take
with you. Depending on what you learn from the informant, we may
need to act swiftly. I want your team in place.” With that, she
turned her attention from me to Erik. “Agent Kelley, I have a
different assignment for you.”
    Erik opened his mouth to protest, but
Victoria pushed forward before a single word slipped through his
parted lips.
    “ Agent Lyons is not going
alone,” she assured him in a tone that could only be described as
motherly. I gaped, shocked she had a nurturing bone in her body.
“She will be permitted to select a team to accompany
her.”
    “ I pick Erik,” I said
obstinately.
    Victoria rolled her golden
eyes.
    “ As I said, Agent Lyons, I
have another assignment for Erik. Pick five other agents.”
    “ What’s the assignment?” I
demanded at the same time Erik said, “What’s more important than
questioning this boy?”
    “ The situation with the
Created has become a global catastrophe. UNITED has released the
usual statements, assuring the public we are taking care of the
problem. The trouble is, we have lost their confidence. With the
antics escalating, we need to be proactive. As I said during the
meeting, we are on the verge of crisis. The public fears the
Created, and citizens are beginning to take matters into their own
hands. There have been at least five incidences of mobs attacking
and killing a Created—that we are aware of. There have also been
attacks on several notable Talented. Last night, in Tokyo, a group
of individuals attacked Mai Matsu. She was beaten unconscious and
left for dead.”
    Cold fingers raced up my
spine.
    “ She’s a dancer or
something, right?” Erik asked.
    “ That is correct. Ms. Matsu
is the star of the Izumi Floating Circus. The entire company is
Talented, and quite famous. Mai is a dual talent, Telekinetic and
Morpher. Some irresponsible journalist ran a story about the
Created, mentioning that most have multiple talent signatures.
Using that knowledge, the individuals decided Ms. Matsu was
Created. She was airlifted to UNITED headquarters this
morning.”
    “ That’s awful,” I said,
hugging myself to ward off the sudden chill that had wrapped around
me like a blanket. “Is she going to be okay?”
    “ It is too soon to tell.
Our doctors are the best in the world, so her chances