Chapter 186
Under SurveillanceAlexander checked his reflection in the elevator’s mirrored wall. Dark slacks, button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled to his forearms. Casual enough, but presentable. The pair of rings were his only adornments.
The elevator descended smoothly. When the doors opened, he stepped into the lobby and headed for the exit.
The ESA liaison sat in the lounge area just off the main entrance, magazine open in his lap. Their eyes met.
The magazine snapped shut. Khalid stood and crossed the floor.
“Mr. Rooke,” he said, falling into step. “Heading out for the evening?”
“That’s the plan.”
“Wonderful. I’d be happy to arrange a driver for you. Where would you like to go?”
Alexander kept his pace toward the entrance. “Appreciate the offer, but I’m going to fly. It’s way more fun.”
The liaison swallowed. “But sir, I really should—”
“I’m pretty sure none of the rules forbid me from seeing the city on my own.”
“Of course not, sir, it’s just that—”
“Great. Then you can wait here until I get back. Besides, I’m sure at least one of your supers will keep an eye on me.”
Khalid slowed. “Very well, sir.”
Doors swung open as Alexander approached. He stepped out from under the building’s overhang and lifted into the air.
The city spread below him as he climbed. He rotated midair, scanning the rooftops until he found what he was looking for.
It was the same superhero from the airport. Closer this time, just a couple of buildings over, facing the side of the hotel where his suite was located. Alexander could make out details now. A woman in a plain white combat suit with a black half-cape fluttering behind her. Hair pulled into a tight bun.
She stood on the edge of the rooftop.
Alexander waved.
She gave him a nod.
Then another copy of her tore free from the original. The surface rippled and bulged outward as a second body pulled itself free with a wet sound that carried even at this distance. The first woman sat back down and reached for a drink, sipping from a straw as if nothing had happened. Then the duplicate rose into the air and began following at a polite distance.
Alexander turned and headed toward the address Julia had given him.
The rooftop garden came into view minutes later. He descended, touching down. Planters lined the edges, greenery spilling over the sides. A few benches faced outward toward the city.
He took a seat on one.
Night had fallen completely. Dubai’s skyline stretched before him, the Burj Khalifa cutting upward like a blade. The tower dominated everything around it, surrounded by buildings designed to complement rather than compete. LED arrays painted the structures in blues and greens. Sheikh Zayed Road cut through it all, a river of headlights.
New York’s skyline had been different. Dense, but organically formed. Buildings packed shoulder to shoulder, different architectural eras fighting for attention. It had felt historical.
Dubai felt engineered. As if someone had set out to build a showcase and succeeded.
Both views were impressive. They just had different philosophies.
The stairwell door opened behind him.
Alexander turned, surprised. His senses had detected nothing.
Julia stepped onto the roof.
Except it wasn’t flesh-and-blood Julia. The figure was made entirely of ice. Translucent, crystalline, reflecting the city lights in fractured patterns across its surface. Same in almost every way, just frozen solid.
Then the ice cracked. Fractured. Shattered apart as she approached, the form melting away in seconds.
Julia emerged grinning. “Surprise.”
Alexander returned her smile and stood. They met halfway across the rooftop.
She pressed into him as they embraced. He cupped her face, finding it a little chilly, and kissed her. Her hands found his forearms, fingers squeezing. The kiss deepened for a moment before they broke apart.
“I didn’t sense anything.”
She smirked. “I know.”
They made their way to the bench, his arm around her shoulder, and sat down. Julia turned toward him, settling against his side.
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“So,” Alexander said. “Are you going to share the trick with your captive audience?”
Julia tilted her head, considering. “I’m not sure you deserve an explanation. ‘Being careful’ doesn’t usually include a six billion credit heist.” She smacked his leg.
Alexander laughed before he could stop himself.
She just stared at him.
He cleared his throat and searched her expression. “Are you actually mad at me?”
“I don’t know.” Julia sighed and shook her head. “Not really. But did you at least have a good reason for it?”
Alexander bit back the quick answer. Rested against the back of the bench, and looked up at the night sky.
Julia waited while he organized his thoughts.
“The answer is more complicated than I want it to be,” Alexander said, “but it wasn’t all strictly necessary, no.”
She studied his face.