The Given by Colby R. Rice

Author:Colby R. Rice
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: fantasy thriller, new adult dystopian science fiction, new adult urban fantasy, new adult dystopian scifi

"Because we believe that the hit was planned and executed right here from inside the Protected Demesnes."

The entire room buzzed with murmurs of surprise. That Koa had operated on the borders of the Protecteds was a well-known fact. Bringing their operations inward, however, was a different matter entirely.

Jake held up a silencing hand. "According to one of the detained suspects, Koa is beginning to plant seeds here. We can all agree that the bombing is a very clear indication of that. There are even rumors of Koan hollows being built right under our noses. Our task in the next coming months is to smoke those seeds out and keep them out."

"But if they want to stay secret, then why bomb the Lakeside?" Another officer asked.

Caleb stepped up. "Because it's close to the Converge where everyone in the other two Demesnes can see it. It's a warning sign. To instill fear in the Civilians… and in us too."

"Well look who's the little forensic psychologist," Xakiah sneered, not bothering to turn to him.

"It's a part of my training—" Caleb cut a smirk at Cotch. "—which is outside of Corporal Alchemists' jurisdiction, unfortunately."

From where he was sitting, Caleb could hear Xakiah snarl. The age-old rivalries between the three alchemical alignments still ran strong, apparently.

Xakiah tore his predatory gaze away from him, looking back at Jake. "If we have to waste time on Civilian matters, we could at least do it efficiently. Why don't we just form another hunter's cell? We'd find the Koan hollows much easier with a concerted effort on all the detectives' parts."

Xakiah shot a look at him, venom dripping from his voice. That's when Caleb understood. He'd clearly gotten a look at his file, just as Palmer had, and he didn't like Caleb being a pencil pusher, protected from the shrapnel and scumbags of the Civic Demesnes.

You and me both, buddy. Caleb met Xakiah's gaze, and instead of responding, he took another bite of his sandwich.

"Forming a hunter cell requires special clearance by the Order itself, and we'll need a good reason for doing so," Jake replied. "It's just a lot of bullshit red tape that we don't need right now. Guild 40'll be up our asses trying to regulate every aspect of the investigation. Right now, it's just better that we work through protocol.

"The first initiative is to keep the borders of the Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Demesnes tight. Step one is firming up security at the Converge. No one goes through without special clearance from the Alchemic or Civic Orders. We've also been asked to institute a strict ten pm curfew, until we can get a decent lead on the bombing. So what's going around now—" Jake lifted his chin to the clipboard that was floating around. "—is a sign up schedule for watch-duty. All APs and CPs in the three Protecteds are required to guard the Converge and the borders, and this will become a part of your daily patrol."

Xakiah stuck a thumb out at Caleb, seeming intent on getting a reaction.

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