“Oh ha ha, very funny. I take it you’re in Kansas already. Made any new friends?”
“So the number worked then, yeah? You managed to warn the Winchester’s?”
“Well yes I’m assuming so, although I can’t say for sure.“
“What’s that supposed to--”
“--Bryce. Was I followed?”
“Not that I’m aware of, all tracers are inactive, but you never know with these buggers. I spose they’re a bit preoccupied elsewhere, if you catch my drift? Seems they’re more interested in the American hunters than they are in you.”
“Hmm. How dare they. Any word from 007?”
“Not yet. I still say there’s something funny going on there...”
Bryce’s words were quick to fade as Lara’s phone buzzed to signal an incoming text message, immediately drawing her attention away from their current discussion which held far less importance at this particular moment. Having pulled the device away from her ear to check on screen, a small smile crept over her lips as she read the message. It was exactly who she hoped it would be.
“Got to go.” Lara told her tech assistant, barely finishing her sentence before hanging up and opening the SMS to read it again.
[ txt msg ] Who is this? How do you have my number? - SW
“Hello Sam...” Lady Croft murmured quietly to herself, recalling the photograph in the London chapter house database alongside a mountain of information about the two brothers. With thumbs resting lightly over the keys for a long moment, Lara stared down at the text message, contemplating her next move before responding.
[Text msg]: A friend. And I acquired it from a spy. I’m here to help. -LC
Blunt and to the point. There was no point whatsoever in offering anything but the truth in this case. These were the good guys, and quite possibly the two most important figures in the United States, both clueless about the full extent of what they were up against.
With dirt and gravel crunching beneath her boots, Lara strode the short distance to her motorcycle and glanced over the highway to the road sign ahead.
Pulling her helmet on as she perched upon the bike, it was hard to resist sending one last potential ice breaker to Sam Winchester before burying her phone in her back pocket and starting up the engine.
[Text msg]: Any decent food establishments in your area? I’m really rather famished. -LC