The Rise of the Fat Mogul (The Defenders Saga Book 2) Read Online Free PDF Page B

what's going on.  Care to clue us in?”
    “Not here.  I'm not even sure where, but definitely not here.”
    “Oh, come on dude,” Ryan argued.  “You can't leave us in the dark like this.  Have you been holding back on us?”
    “Look, not here. Plus, I'm not the only one who's been holding back information.”  Buddy looked at Alexa.  “You've been visiting Flores and haven't told us?  What the hell is that all about?”
    “I'm being totally honest here; I haven't seen him for months.”
    “Ah, but sweet Alexa, the man who doesn't seem to know he's Damon Memphis stated you've been continuing to go off every week.  If you haven't been visiting Flores, whom have you been sneaking off to see?”
    “Can't a girl have a little bit of a personal life or do you want to read my diary, too?”
    “Fine,” Buddy conceded.  “But if I end up having to sit in that ugly conference room ag--”
    “There you guys are!” a voice yelled from nearby.  The group turned and saw Bumblebee approaching their location.  “I'm not sure what happened.  One second I was here with all of you, the next I was all the way across town.  I thought I had lost you!”
    “He's back,” Zero muttered under his breath.  “I think we should return to--”
    “So, what are we up to next?  Patrol?” Bumblebee asked excitedly.
    “Look kid,” Buddy began slowly.  “I can see your heart's in the right place and all, but I just don't think we're operating on the same wavelength.  You understand?”
    “No,” Bumblebee said flatly.
    “What he means,” Alexa continued, “is that we're not quite what you think we are.  It might be best if we just cut ties here and forget this ever happened.”
    “What?  Are you saying I'm not good enough for you guys?”
    “That is precisely what we are saying,” Zero answered.
    “Zero!” Alexa rebuked.  “That's not at all what we're saying.  It's just that we're involved in something much more dangerous than I think you're ready to deal with.”
    “Right, I get it.  Don't worry about it.  I work better alone anyways.”  Bumblebee walked away with his head low.
    Alexa opened her mouth to speak as Zero placed his hand on her shoulder.  “Don't, Alexa.  He'll get over it.”  Alexa glared at Zero, who stared right back.  The two stood locked in optical combat until Ryan finally cut in.
    “Alright kids,” Ryan said as he clapped his hands. “Where to?”
    “Back to Maggie's?” Buddy asked.
    “Don't you think we should start to do some digging on the whole deal with Flores?” Ryan responded.
    “And why the hell would we want to do that?” Buddy asked.
    “I don’t know,” Ryan responded.  “Seemed like it would give us something to do.”
    “Little Red’s right,” Zero agreed.  “This is just the type of thing we’ve been looking for.”
    “Right,” Alexa stated, “except it means getting into bed with Memphis, something I’m in no hurry to do.”
    “Exactly,” Buddy joined in, considering the implications of this new version of his old nemesis.  “I think we’d be better off at least getting a good night’s sleep before we decide to jump over onto Damon’s team.”
    “Agreed, chum!  First thing tomorrow morning, we decide on the fate of Dominion’s bed!”

 
     
    CHAPTER 3
     
    “She's ready to see you now,” said the woman in blue scrubs.
    Damon stood up slowly and followed the doctor out of the waiting area and into his wife's recovery room. 
    The pale-faced patient looked up and smiled weakly as he entered.  “Damon,” she said softly.
    Damon walked to her side and grabbed her hand as he kissed her forehead gently.  “Tess,” he paused, “sweetheart.”  A tear fell from his eye.
    “Is it that bad, Damon?” she coughed.
    “It's not good.”
    “But there's still hope, right?  I mean, with God anything is possible.”
    “Yes, of course,” he agreed slowly, “it's just that--”
    “Do not worry about anything,” she quoted,