Luke’s sharp gaze analyzes the situation. “What’s going on, Freya? Do you need me to get you out of here?”
I shake my head. “It’s complicated, but I’m fine. Thank you for coming.”
“Hey, just because you ditched me for the FBI doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore an SOS.”
I give him a wry smile. “I’m just glad you remembered.”
Early on when Luke and I were made partners we got into a sticky situation during an undercover op. After, we made a series of codes based around our names. Each nickname means different things. “L”, the nickname I used in my text to Luke means: ‘All okay, need burner phone’. I didn’t exactly think I’d be using it to get one over on the FBI, but I’m no longerconvinced I can trust River to help me catch my dad. Not before he puts me in a 6x8 cell at least.
I sneak another glance at the window. River’s distracted talking to Jude so I take Luke’s arm and guide him further down the street. “Come on.”It’s fairly quiet out here and the cars parked on the paved drives shield us from view.
“Seriously, do you need to get out of here? Because I parked down the road in case we needed to pull a Bonnie and Clyde.”
I stop walking and tug up my trouser leg. “As tempting as that sounds my fancy new piece of jewelry might get in the way.”
Luke’s eyes widen. “Is that a tracking anklet?” He looks back at the house. “What the hell is going on, Freya?”
I cover up the anklet again. “I can’t explain. I’m sorry, I know it’s not fair. I wasn’t even supposed to show you the anklet, but I’m fed up with lying to everyone.”
Luke catches his lip between his teeth then sighs. “Is this because you’re Maxwell’s daughter?”
I gape up at him.
He rolls his eyes. “I’m a detective, Freya. You’re the right age. You’ve told me nothing about your childhood and you have a weird obsession with the Maxwell case. I put two and two together a while ago.”
I press my lips together and fight back the tears pricking my eyes. “Thank you. For never saying anything.”
Luke takes out the burner phone and slips it inside Camilla’s case file before handing the folder over to me. “You’re my partner. I’ve got your back.”
I angle myself away from the house and use my body to shield my movements as I transfer the phone from the folder and into my bra.
The second I turn back around the front door opens and River storms out. He glowers at me like I’ve committed yet another crime by moving out of his sight.
“I better go.” I take one last look at Luke as River strides over to us. “I’m going to catch him. Maxwell,” I say.
Luke nods and rocks back on his heels. “I know you will just... be careful, okay?”
I say goodbye to Luke and brush past River before he reaches us. “Don’t worry,” I say, “Your asset is still here.”
River scowls and follows me back into the house.
Inside, the five of us go over Camilla’s file, looking for any connections between her and Posy. We find nothing. It’s a good couple of hours before I’m able to head to my room and get some time to myself.
Once the door’s closed behind me I take out the burner phone and snap a photo of the tracker anklet.
Always have an escape route.
I type in the one number I have committed to memory and send the image to Carmen. If anyone can figure out how to get the tracker off, it’s her.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN
Eli
JUDE’S MAKING US play happy fucking family. It’s something he does every now and then when the cases get hard. Pizza and a games night. No work talk allowed.
I sprawl out on the armchair and take another swig from my beer.
I think he started them for Oz. The online world is a dark place and Oz can get lost in it. He goes quiet, quieter than normal. I don’t blame him; he’s seen some messed up shit, but Jude’s like a goddamn golden retriever puppy, dropping a ball at your feet until you come play with him. So, I’m used to these games’ nights. What I’m not used to is Freya being a part of them.
