“Do you need a minute?" he asked, looking slightly worried.
“It's important you keep focussed on getting the message across to Kas so he can go home. I had to be harsh with him to convince him of the seriousness of the situation. Don't let your feelings distract you.”
“God no, not your feelings. Wouldn't let those get in the way." I muttered sarcastically under my breath, to which Zack threw me a warning scowl.
“Get it together, Mankuzay. We need to work as a team on this." he grumbled.
I shrugged the bad feelings off and concentrated on Kas instead.
“Yeah. You're right. I'm sorry." I relented and Zack notably relaxed.
Kas lifted his head when he heard the door and his eyes lit up briefly when he realised it was me. The light in his eyes dimmed instantly when he spotted Zack and his face crumpled. I felt his anger like fierce stabbing pains in my stomach and head, but it was mixed with another emotion, a deep fear which materialised in me like my legs had turned to jelly. And it stank. I hadn't encountered this combination of sensations before and it threw me off momentarily. Zack noticed me struggling and took charge.
“Get up." he barked at Kas, looking as imposing as he could muster.
I detected a strain in Zack that I'd not noticed before. He really had to work hard to be authoritative with Kas, who didn't know his reputation and therefore did not hold the automatic respect Zack enjoyed in the Sensorian community. He still pulled it off beautifully, with Kas complying immediately, probably more motivated by fear than respect though. Zack didn't care what motivated him, as long as he did what he was told.
By the time Kas had scrambled to his feet, I had composed myself and was dealing with my initial sensory overload.
“Hey, babes." I started.
“We need to talk. Come, we'll find somewhere more comfortable.”
He looked at me and I saw my sympathy reflected in his eyes, but it was met with shame. He turned his head, avoiding my gaze.
“I need the loo. Pretty promptly or it'll be more than just me that has to be scraped off the floor." he tried to joke a little, but he wasn't smiling.
“Yeah, sure. Of course." I said hastily, beseeching Zack to take him, willing him to give him that dignity.
To my relief Zack allowed it, escorting Kas to the toilets. I used the break to collect my thoughts. I was shocked to see Kas in the state we found him. He looked broken, scared and angry. No one should have to feel like that, and I felt guilty for having caused this for Kas. If only he had listened to me and not come after me to find out more. Everything would have been fine. But how could I blame him for caring for me? That wasn't fair. I had to fix this for him, but the experience won't go away. He will feel humiliated for the fear he'd shown, and the anger and feelings of dread will stay with him for the rest of his life.
When they returned we walked in an awkward silence towards a little cosy looking private room with some chairs and a sofa in it. We sat ourselves down, I placed myself next to Kas and Zack chose a chair a little away from us, trying to create the illusion we had a bit of privacy. I knew better of course. There was no privacy.
“Does the dick have to be here?" Kas whispered.
I nodded. I could feel Zack's heart rate go up, really trying to keep his cool, but seething on the inside.
“Are you safe?”
He looked so worried and I felt awful.
“Kas, I'm in the best of hands here." I tried to reassure him, glancing over to Zack, to the annoyance of Kas.
“I'm working for these people temporarily, on a special job. Mum knows, but it's a covert operation. I can't divulge any details for obvious reasons, but I can let you know it has to do with my father. That's why I'm involved. After this job I'll be back, and all will be back to normal.”
I detected a little stir in Zack, but he should pick up that I was saying this mainly to placate Kas. I hadn't made my mind up at all yet.
“Back to normal? What the hell does that mean Eli? You lied to me! Several times! I was worried sick. You shamelessly tapped into my worries about your mental state. And for what? 'These people'? It's sounds dodgy and illegal to me and I want you out!”
Kas was getting agitated, his voice rising.
“Keep it down, mate." Zack warned.
Kas flew up to his feet and strode towards Zack who immediately jumped up and squared up to him.
“Sit the fuck down. Now." Zack hissed threateningly, his muscles flexing.
Kas' temporary bravery dissipated. He knew he couldn't match Zack and wisely retreated to the sofa. I took his hands, squeezing them gently.
“Kas, listen to me. I'm fine. It's a straight forward job. It just has to stay secret. That's all they are interested in. Just sign the contract they offered you. They'll leave you in peace after that, as long as you abide by it. Please. Don't risk your future for me. I don't need protecting or saving. Do you think my mum would let me get involved in anything dodgy? She would be first in line to haul me out of here!" I pleaded and
