“This will compromise cloaking level two,” the voice says.
“Fine. Whatever. Please contact Armond,” I say. Then I realize,shoot, I don’t know his last name either.
“There are 1,598 men with the name Armond in the mainland USA—”
“The one who designs Jax’s suits.”
“Contact found. Would you like a secure transmission?”
My heart speeds up. “Yes,” I say.
“Connecting.”
It’s going to do it!
After a moment, the bald man I remember from before comes onscreen. “Identify yourself,” he barks. Then his face softens when he sees me. “Who are you?” he asks.
“I’m a friend of Jax,” I say quickly. “The girl he got the clothes for.”
Armond frowns. “I’ve made a lot of women’s clothes —”
“Recently,” I say. I don’t want to know about all the clothes Jax has commissioned for other women. “In St. Louis. The red sweater dress and blue pantsuit.”
“Ah, yes,” he says, sitting back. “Que bonita, very slight. Did you like the clothes? Jax favors the color red.”
“I noticed,” I say. “I need to find him.”
Armond laughs. “Many a pretty lady has tried to locate the elusive Jax.”
My face burns hot. “Not like that. I — I stole a car for him.”
Armond sobers and looks around me. “Who’s had this car?”
“I don’t know. A man came and tied me up. I got free. Jax would want to know.”
“What sort of man?” Armond asks.
“Pale. German accent.”
“Dios,” Armond says. “This is interesting.”
“Can you find him for me? Or at least get him a message?”
“I can try,” he says.
“Tell him the safe house was compromised again. A man, slightly shorter than Jax, pale, blond, with a German accent. He wanted to knowwhy Jax was interested in me.”
“Are you safe?” Armond’s bushy eyebrows draw together in concern.
“I don’t know,” I say, trying to force a laugh. “I did steal this car!”
“Do you know how to use it?”
“I’m figuring it out. I have it cloaked.”
He nods. “Good, good.” He glances down. “You sent this securely. Do you want to unencrypt it so I can send Jax your location?”
Unease flows through me. “No. Just tell him to meet me —” I try to think. What sort of code could I use about where to go?
