“You’re avoiding the obvious, River,” he presses.
I settle behind my computer, checking that all five men assigned for tonight’s operation are where they need to be. Each member of the night has specific assignments, including securing the location, standing watch, and providing backup if needed. Sebastian supervises the crew and ensures the logistics of each kill are perfectly coordinated.
“We don’t have time for this. Did you check in with your men or do I have to do your job?”
“God, you’re such an ass.” He lets out an exasperated breath. “I’ve already touched base. Hayden is stationed at the bottom of the hill, Apolo and Levi are covering the midpoint up, and Ace and Oliver are guarding the perimeter of the rental house.”
“See, wasn’t so hard, was it?”
“Fuck you,” he replies then starts to march out of my office, but before he leaves, I call out his name.
He flashes me his middle finger, but looks at me over his shoulder. “What do you want?”
“Come on.” I stand, readying to apologize. “I’m sorry, okay. You’re right. I know she shouldn’t be coming, but I can’t say no to her.”
“That’s because you’re thinking with your dick,” he challenges. “Which is not like you.”
He’s right and this situation is confusing for me too, but it’s either keep her close or risk her endangering herself. And I can’t let that happen.
“I should probably tell you…I told her it would be better if she were to stay at the manor.”
His eyes widen. “Here? You want to bring her here?”
I nod. “I need to know where she is and what she’s doing at all times.”
“Unbelievable.” Sebastian shakes his head in disbelief.
I’m acting out of character and it’s throwing him off, but I can’t blame him. Sebastian has never seen me make such risky decisions. “I know what I’m doing.”
“What did she say?”
“She was a little apprehensive, but open to it.”
“Are you sure?” He glances at the wall of screens, specifically at the one still displaying the inside of Lux’s house.
She’s sitting at her desk, staring out the window. Waiting forme. I peel my focus away from Lux and meet my cousin’s gaze head on. “Yes.”
“You know I disagree with all of this?” he clips.
I slap a firm hand on his shoulder. “Yes.”
“Well then, let’s get this fucking show on the road.” He shrugs it off.
I slide my phone from my pocket and send her a message.
Me: I’ll be there in twenty. Wear what I dropped off last night.
A response comes through immediately.
Raven: I’m ready.
It felt appropriate to change her contact name to Raven.
My lungs constrict reading her response, because the time has finally come. After what felt like countless hours of research from the files I stole from Rich’s hard drive, Sebastian and I were able to locate an abandoned log cabin which we believe will serve as the next location.
I’ve briefed Hayden on the plans and informed him about what Lux’s role with be, which is she’ll stay with him in the vehicle a safe distance away, until we’ve secured the location and Rich.
After some protests from Lux—because she felt left out of an integral part of the project—she’s waiting impatiently down the hill in a car with Hayden while the rest of us clear the house. She’s eager, which I respect, but doing what we do is not something that develops overnight. It takes time, and she must wait because I will only include her when I feel she can handle it. And if that means going slow, then she’ll have to save her push back for something else. Once we’ve secured Rich and I’m comfortable bringing her into the kill, I’ll call for her.
