“I think seeing what they did to me, seeing the condition I was in, triggered something in Rainier. I was sixteen. He didn’t expect to feel anything at all. He was doing his job.” She tapped her fingers on the surface of the water. “He killed them all. Every single one of them. There were quite a few of them. He wiped out the entire cell. He was fast too, without hesitation. He unlocked the chains on me and whispered to me to look away. I didn’t. He didn’t make a sound, but he went from cot to cot after he killed the guards. He left that room and went to other rooms. When there was no one left alive, he treated as many of my wounds as possible and then he carried me out of there. First, we rendezvoused with a vehicle and then a helicopter. He never left my side. He was definitely in charge.”
“Why is he so concerned that you have security around you at all times, Shabina?” Vienna persisted, trying to be gentle. “Should we be concerned for your safety?”
“I don’t think so. It’s been years. I think he’s just worried is all.”
Raine made a small sound of denial. “Those men in that particular cell had very connected families, Shabina. They live for feuds and Rainier knows that. Your father is very well known. It’s very easy to keep track of him. The moment you decided to strike out on your own had to be a nightmare for everyone who loves you.”
“And yet there’s never been a hint of retaliation against me,” Shabina pointed out.
“That’s true,” Raine said. “But you can’t blame Rainier for being worried.”
“I suppose not, but I wish he wouldn’t. He’s very intense, and it can be very difficult for someone like me to deal with,” Shabina admitted.
“They’ll be gone after the wedding,” Vienna said. “Speaking of gone, Raine, what is it Zale doesn’t want you to tell me?”
“I don’t know for sure.” Raine sounded reluctant to discuss the subject. “Believe me, Vienna, the moment I do know, I’ll tell you. I don’t like the way any of this is playing out. I could be way off base, and I hope I am. Until I know anything for certain, I’m not going to give misinformation and take a chance on hurting any of my friends or their relationships.”
“I think Zale and Rainier are hurting those relationships all by themselves by not telling us the truth,” Vienna said.
“If they’re given orders not to reveal certain details of a mission, they can’t,” Raine pointed out.
Vienna sighed. That was more or less exactly what Zale had said to her.