XXXXII - Change Of Plans

I felt the familiar tingle of energy as my form shifted back to my own, the president's features melting away. "Well, Mr. President, it seems our little visit to the White House will have to wait." I flashed him a razor-sharp grin. "I was just kidding about that, you see."

The old man's eyes went wide with relief, though the fear never left his gaze. "You...you were kidding?"

I let out a dark chuckle. "Of course. Did you really think I'd be so foolish as to waltz right into the lion's den immediatly?" I shook my head, tutting disapprovingly. "No, no, I have a different plan in mind. One that doesn't involve me getting riddled with bullets."

Lavinia arched a brow, her expression one of amused skepticism. "So what's the new plan, then?"

I turned to her, my features hardening. "In the meantime, I need you three to keep our guest company. Make sure he's comfortable, won't you?" My gaze flickered to the president, my lips curling into a cruel smile. "We wouldn't want him getting any ideas, now would we?"

Lucky let out a low whistle, his fingers drumming against the grip of his rifle. "You got it, boss. Me an' the ladies'll keep an eye on him."

Psyche stepped forward, her brow furrowed in concern. "And where will you be going, Eros?"

I reached out, cupping her cheek tenderly. "Just a little...reconnaissance, my love. There are some loose ends I need to tie up before we can move forward with the next phase of our plan."

She nodded, the worry in her eyes never quite dissipating. "Be careful, Eros. I can't bear the thought of anything happening to you."

I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead, savoring the warmth of her skin. "I'll be back before you know it, Psyche. I promise."

With a final glance at the trembling president, I turned and headed for the door, my mind racing with a thousand different scenarios. The Four Horsemen were a formidable foe, and if we were to have any chance of emerging victorious, I needed to be one step ahead of them.

I couldn't help but feel a twinge of unease. The stakes had never been higher, and the path ahead was shrouded in uncertainty. Still, I pushed forward, my resolve hardening with each step. Whatever lay in store, I was ready to face it head-on.

And as these thoughts swirled, they manifested into reality, a tingling sensation on my leg set off alarm bells in my mind. Glancing down, I spotted the tiny blinking device clinging to my pant leg - a tracking device, no doubt.

My jaw tightened as the implication hit me. We'd been watched, compromised. Damn it, how could I have been so careless? I came back running to the apartment.

I turned back to the others, my expression grim. "Change of plans, everyone. We've got a tail."

Lavinia's eyes narrowed, her fingers twitching with barely suppressed energy. "How do you know?"

I gestured to the blinking device, my mouth set in a thin line. "This little bugger was stuck to my leg. Someone's been keeping tabs on us. It was probably right when I conjured that vortex, I couldn't see so they caught me off guard and stuck it on my foot by throwing it. "

Lucky let out a low whistle, his gaze sweeping the shadowy streets. "Shit, Eros. You think it's those Horsemen you were talkin' about?"

I nodded, my mind racing. "Nah, but I caught a glimpse of a couple suspicious characters back at the speech, two guys - heterochromia, the whole nine yards. They might be people working with gov, who knows."

Psyche's brow furrowed with concern. "What are you going to do?"

I reached out, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm going to lead them on a little wild goose chase. Buy us some time to regroup and figure out our next move."

Lavinia arched a brow, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "You got a plan, love?"

I flashed her a razor-sharp smile. "Oh, you know it. I've got a little safe house in Manhattan - the perfect spot to set a trap."

Lucky let out a feral chuckle, his fingers drumming against the grip of his finger rifle. "I like the way you think, Diablo. Just try not to have all the fun without us, huh?"

I clapped him on the shoulder, feeling the coiled tension in his muscles. "I insist, my friend. You three stay get out of here, go to the Bahamas if you have to, using Psyches ability, and keep an eye on our guest. I'll be back before you know it."

With one last lingering look at Psyche, I turned and disappeared into the streets of Manhattan, adrenaline and endorphins coursing through my veins.

I finally arrived at the safehouse, entered, and set my devious trap. I will have to wait for one hour at best because they will be coming via plane, train, or a chopper...