Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 98121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 98121 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 491(@200wpm)___ 392(@250wpm)___ 327(@300wpm)
“What is it? What are they?”
He is looking up at the ceiling again and I can see how hard his eyes have grown. “Secret Society.”
A beat passes, a cold shudder running through me. “I thought that was only in books or movies.”
“Oh no. It’s very much real.”
“Was your grandfather a part of it?” Then I realize something. “Are you?”
He considers his answer, then turns to me. “The Blackstones were a part of the organization. Until we weren’t. Best thing that happened to us if you ask me, but I guess they’re a little sore at the inscribed Rolex turning up in public like that.” He looks at his watch. It’s two in the morning. “Anyway, none of this matters. Not for you. Severin and I will handle it. Money talks, you know? And we have a lot of it. I don’t want you involved any more than you already are. Once I figure some shit out, I’m sending you back to Devil’s Peak. You’ll stay with Cassian until this is done and I come back for you.”
“I’m not going anywhere without you. No way.”
He rolls onto his side to face me. “Yeah, you are. What you saw tonight? That is just an inkling of their power. Of what they can do and cover up. Most likely, those bodies are gone, any trace of any IVI members at that shop erased. It’ll look like a robbery gone wrong. That’s how they work. I won’t let them near you.”
“But Jet—”
“It’s not up for discussion, Amal.” His tone tells me he’s done. Well, I’m not but I know to bide my time. He reaches to switch out the lamp on the nightstand. “Let’s get some sleep. My brother will be here bright and early, and I need to be ready.”
20
JET
Idon’t sleep for more than a few hours. Amal, however, has fallen into a deep slumber. I know it took her a while to fall asleep. What happened would keep anyone awake.
Quietly, I slip out of bed. Grabbing my phone, I head to the bathroom where I get a look at myself. Well, at least most of the bruises will be covered up by clothes and Sev doesn’t need to know about the knife wound. At least the pain has eased to more of a throbbing than my side feeling like it’s on fucking fire.
I wash my face and brush my teeth then force my hair back using some gel. After trimming my five o’clock shadow, I splash on aftershave. I don’t swallow any of the painkillers the soldier brought with the suturing kit. I need to be sharp today.
After dressing in my usual slacks and a black button-down, I walk back into the bedroom. Amal is still out, her breathing quiet and even. I stand over the bed and look at her. Her face is relaxed, eyelids fluttering. I wonder what it is she’s dreaming about.
I tuck her in then walk into the living area of the suite where Malcom is making himself a cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine.
“Your brother just checked in. He’s having a shower then expects you downstairs. Pronto.”
“Did he say that? Pronto?”
“Yup.
“Must be his new fucking word of the week.” I find the strongest pod and pop it into the machine to make myself a cup.
Malcom drinks his coffee. “Saw the news this morning. Robbery gone wrong they’re saying. No bodies apart from the owner of the antique shop.”
“I’m not surprised. I may need you to take Amal back later. Let me talk to Sev this morning and figure out what exactly we’re up against and I’ll let you know.”
“No problem.”
“Where are the others?” I ask of the soldiers.
“Two outside and two getting some shut eye.” He checks his watch. “They’re due here in about twenty minutes.’
“Okay. When they get here, let them know she’s to stay in the suite until I’m back. And no one comes in. I mean no one.”
“Will do. What are we dealing with here, Jet?”
Malcom is part of Cassian’s world. Although I trust him fully. He’s been my right hand for the last couple of years, I’ve never mentioned my link to The Society. I hoped I’d never have to.
“Not sure yet. Depends on what they want.” My phone pings with a message. It’s Cassian.
Cassian: Severin dropped by last night asking what I knew about your WIFE???
Well, I had to tell him sooner or later.
Me: Solved a problem.
Cassian: Sounds like you created a couple more. How is Scotland?
Me: Scottish
Cassian: Why is Severin going to meet you? He seemed off.
Me: That’s just my brother.
Cassian: More than his usual. I haven’t seen him ruffled like this.
I take a moment remembering the last time Sev and I dealt with IVI. It’s more than twelve years ago. Funny how time can pass but you don’t forget a damn thing. Not of the things you want to forget about.