Page 20 of Lay It Bare

Episode 5

Sevastyan

Morning came with orders from the Yadro. The directors were satisfied with Sevastyan’s surveillance, at least for the moment. They wanted him in California. In light of Bak Sahyuk’s arrest, there were a few individuals who were giving higher-level Merchari cause for concern, lackeys of Bak Sahyuk they believed were planning to cooperate with authorities.

Sevastyan checked the list of three names sent to him against his database. They were all on his hit list of targets to eliminate or turn over to authorities when given the chance, so there was no reason to try to back out of the assignment or give them a chance to run. The only regrettable thing was that Lisa was still very weak, and Rei would be left mostly on his own. It couldn’t be helped. Sevastyan started researching the targets and planning his approach. He booked tickets to California for the next morning.

Right afterwards, Ellisandre texted. The time was followed by an address for a small early morning breakfast spot only three blocks away. Sevastyan stared at the text, stomach hard with excitement, chest tight with concern. By rights he shouldn’t go. He should be focused on the task at hand, but his flight was late enough he could spare a half hour to see his deux.

Rei brought coffee out to Sevastyan a few moments later. Sevastyan handed him his computer with the assassination orders. Rei read it and nodded, then left to make breakfast. Over food, they worked together to set up Sevastyan’s approaches, exits, and supplies. Rei reserved rental cars and located gear. Everything would have to be outside the Merchari network as it was currently compromised. The hardest part was actually going to be cleaning out one of Bak Sahyuk’s operation centers and getting rid of evidence. Some of that evidence, though, would be useful, so Sevastyan was going to have to preserve it, either in a lock box, or by bringing it all the way back with him.

“Let’s do a storage locker,” Rei said. “There are a few places nearby that offer keyless entry.”

“Hold one for me.”

Rei nodded.

Sevastyan watched him work. When they were together like this, he felt like he saw a sliver of what Rei might have been if he had never been sold. Calm, collected, competent, with a decisive edge when he was in the zone. Even Rei’s posture changed. He could see the group leader Rei had thought he was going to be. But this version of Rei never stayed. It was there during moments of pressure, and then disappeared, replaced with the slave that kept his eyes low, and the soft, giving body that Sevastyan also loved. It was almost like slavery had drained the fire out of him, leaving him with only flickers of fire and the essence of water.

Except Rei could make the tough decisions sometimes, like when he’d run outside and rescued Lisa from the snow.

How much of Rei’s personality was what he thought Sevastyan wanted, and how much was who Rei would be if left to his own choice?

“Leave space for gallery visits in San Diego. Those are my cover for the trip.”

“Mr. Moriaty?” Rei asked.

“Him and Anna Siles.”

“Siles would be perfect for your client in Luxembourg, the one with all the dogs.”

Sevastyan chuckled. “She would be.”

In the end, the trip would be four days in total. The schedule was tight, but two of the names on the hit list were going to be close together, if not in the same location.

Sevastyan went out for supplies, bringing back enough food that neither slave would need to leave while he was gone. Rei helped him put everything away and then packed Sevastyan’s clothes while Sevastyan checked his gear. Each complete outfit went in its own bag except for shoes. Rei laid them out on the coffee table. “Tactical one. Clean up one. Tactical two. Travel one with variations one, two, and three. Your fit for the galleries.” Rei held up a bag with bright red silk in it. Sevastyan recognized a boutique French label shirt, paired with designer black pants from Shanghai. Rei knew his work well. Moriaty and Siles would drool. “Jewelry is inside. The necklaces are stacked and ready to wear. Rings and a watch are in their own bag inside.”

Sevastyan nodded. He had his own style, but Rei’s taste could be trusted any day of the week.

Rei finished going through the last of the bags. He’d accounted for every fit and change of clothes Sevastyan would need along the way.

Sevastyan went over the rest of his tools and finalized the contents of the case he intended to carry and the one he would check.

Sounds of a shuffling came from the bedroom. Rei glanced at Sevastyan. Sevastyan nodded, giving him leave to check on Lisa. A moment later Rei came back. “He went to the bathroom.”

The bags were ready enough. Sevastyan went into the bedroom. Lisa was still awake, sitting up and drinking tea from a thermos. He pushed himself up higher as Sevastyan entered. Sevastyan held up his palm, stopping him. “Stay down. How’s your fever?”

“It broke.” Lisa coughed into his arm and reached for the table beside the bed, holding up the thermometer.

Sevastyan approached and held his hand to Lisa’s forehead. The slave felt almost cool. “Stay under the covers. Tomorrow you can try solid foods. Rei has rice for congee and apple sauce. Start with that.”

“Yes, sir.”

Rei lingered in the doorway. Sevastyan waved him in and sat on the edge of the bed. Rei knelt in front of him. Sevastyan looked between the two slaves. “I’ll be gone for four days. Rei, you’re in charge of anything inside the condo. Communications, food, health.”

Rei bowed his head. “Yes, master.”