“I am quite satisfied with my crazy,” Hopper says, startling the hell out of me. “It does not need to be kept in check.”
“Hop,” I grit out. “When the fuck did you get here? And where are your guys?”
He steps back, contrite. “We’re in the hangar next door, and I couldn’t wait to come over. Sorry about the stealthing, but I don’t want someone to control my crazy. I need someone who will allow me to flourish in it.”
Omar chuckles, sending a fond smile at Anders, who has the rest of the crew rolling with some kind of wildly gesticulated tale. “That is a good way to put it, Hopper. The care and feeding of your sociopath is tricky stuff.”
Anders, hearing his description, I assume, looks over. “Honey, you know those tests were never conclusive.”
“You are right, darling. I apologize.”
I hold up my hands, and the group stands at attention. Despite the alarming percentage of this team that is at least partially certifiable, they are all focused and ready to go.
“I’m going to get Ryder and Luca on the call. We’ll finalize the details and get underway.”
Stepping out from the shadows, Luca appears, flanked by two of his best men.
“No need, brother. You called. I came.”
My chin drops to my chest, and I know I’m exhausted because tears threaten at the sight of my oldest friend. “Luca, I…”
He holds up a hand. “There’s no way I wouldn’t come.” Looking into my eyes, he sets his jaw. “We are going to sketch out a plan, and then I am going to insist you sleep for at least a few hours before we go any further.”
I open my mouth to protest, but he gives me his best mob boss look, and I acquiesce.
Half an hour later, we've got it all worked out. Whatever this is, whatever the reasons, it's political, and it involves Mads’ family. I suppose if we were being more diplomatic, we would work through channels and ensure we don't accidentally blow up any sensitive international relationships.
Until I get my man back, diplomacy and the rule of law can go fuck themselves.
We all take the opportunity to rack out for a few hours, and then, in the predawn light, surrounded by the daunting foothills of the Himalayas, the ten of us climb into two large SUVs and take off.