Page 137 of After 5
A wiggle in my backpack reminded me of my plan. I’d have to make a few modifications now there were more cards on the table. Get inside his head, my inner voice reminded me. I prayed Mahlia wouldn’t hurt Victory until I could put my plan into action.
“Did you know Caiyan works for the WTF and went back to warn you?” I glared at Victory.
“He couldn’t, he’s already been…” her words trailed off when the shock of Caiyan’s devotion brought tears to her eyes.
“Jennifer Cloud, bring me the seer’s key and I will free the woman of your choosing.” Gian-Carlo was done talking, and so was I.
I glanced over at Marco and mouthed, “I’m sorry.”
“Jen, no.” Marco dropped his hands to his side.
“Gian-Carlo, send Angel forward, and I’ll give up the key.”
I saw Victory stiffen next to Mahlia.
Gian-Carlo nodded at Mortas.
Mortas walked Angel to the center of the room. I met them. He unbound her hands and I hugged her tightly, transferring the Victory key in the process.
“You can’t kill Angel or Victory.” I moved toward Gian-Carlo. Closer, I needed to get closer. “You see, you’re wrong about Angel, she does have the gift.”
Gian-Carlo’s eyes jerked toward Angel, who was now wrapped in Jake’s arms, the Victory key securely fastened around her neck.
Marco eased toward Mahlia.
“I don’t believe you!” Gian-Caro seethed. “Marco’s grandfather would never have neglected one with the gift.”
“You’re right. He didn’t,” Marco said. “You had him killed before she came into her power.”
“Kill him!” Gian-Carlo pointed at Jake. He shouted at Mortas, who stood alone and dumbstruck in the middle of the room. “He’s the only one that can die here.”
“No!” Angel cried out, clinging to Jake.
I rushed toward Gian-Carlo as Mortas rushed toward Jake. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Marco take the knife away from Mahlia. The two goons who were waiting outside burst through the front door. Brodie slowed their assistance to the Mafusos with an attack on their flank.
I jerked to a stop in front of Gian-Carlo.
“What are you going to do to me little girl?” His sharp, cynical eyes almost laughing at me.
“I’m going to hit you where it hurts the most.” I lunged at him, grabbed Caiyan’s key from around his neck and yanked.
The key came off, dangling between my fingers, my secret talent exposed.
Gian-Carlo’s hands flew to his empty neck, and his smug, calculating eyes changed to those of a surprised child. “Impossible.”
I drew the necklace close to my chest, hugging the key like I was holding the last piece of the puzzle. The piece that made Caiyan complete. I stepped away from Gian-Carlo.
“Give me the key!” He came for me.
“Tick-Tock!”
Tonto scrambled from my backpack, peeked his head over my shoulder, and I slid the key over his head. He raced up the post next to me.
“Get that animal! It has my key!” Gian-Carlo shook his fist at Tonto.
“Correction, he has Caiyan’s key.” I clenched my fist and socked the old man right in the kisser. He reeled backward.
One of Gian-Carlo’s goons turned and jumped at the raccoon, but Tonto moved higher and hissed at him.
