Page 123 of Princes of Carnage

The question shakes me out of my thoughts, and I look up to see the gathered members of the gang watching me. Some of them look tired, others look wary, but no one looks thrilled to be here or to be hearing about how we’re floundering.

Emmett’s lips are drawn tight, his brow furrowed. “Quinn?” he asks.

“We have the name,” I tell them, trying to lean on that as good news. “And we’re doing all we can to track him down. For now we just have to… survive. Just long enough for us to take this fucker down. Once that happens, things will turn around. We can go back to our usual operations, and maybe expand into a few more areas to recover some of the business we’ve lost over these last few weeks.”

No one seems reassured by that, and I can see frowns and hear a few people muttering to each other. It makes me wish my dad was here so fiercely for a moment.

He had a way of getting people to believe in him. A way of making them want to follow him, even if his plan was half-baked and not well thought out.

It feels like I’m doing my best to live up to that, but falling so short of it.

“I know things have been rough lately. Believe me, I know. But we just have to hunker down and deal with it for now. I’m committed to making sure we don’t lose anyone else. I’m not going to risk your lives until we kill this fucker.”

Not even that seems to lift their spirits. They all look as frustrated as I feel, and I get that. Luckily, no one seems to be willing to speak up to voice their displeasure.

At least until Emmett clears his throat.

I look over at him, and he has an apologetic look on his face. “Are we still sure that this alliance with Carnage is the best plan?” he asks. “I mean, if they—”

“We’re not getting into this again.” I shake my head quickly, cutting him off before he can say anything else about it. “We need their help, and they need ours.”

“Okay,” he murmurs.

I let out a breath, suddenly so fucking exhausted. All I want is to bring this meeting to a close.

“We’re going to be okay,” I promise the gang. “I’m not going to let this sink us. Alright, that’s all I’ve got for now. You’re dismissed. Stay safe, and stay alert.”

It’s hard to tell how much they believe me, but they all file out without further complaint. Getting through a meeting without full-on insubordination feels like a win, although it probably shouldn’t be such a low bar. But with the tension as high as it is…

I sigh, rubbing my face tiredly before turning to face Emmett, who hasn’t left yet.

“You can’t do that,” I start, keeping my voice even. “I respect your opinion, but you can’t question me like that in front of the others. I’m their leader, and I need them to respect that I’m making the right calls here.”

His grimaces a little. “I get that, Quinn. I do. I was just trying to get you to think about—”

“I’ve already thought about it, before I agreed to the alliance with Carnage. And anyway, it’s too late to back out now. We’re in too deep, and we’re close to cracking this thing.”

Emmett frowns, looking skeptical. “Are you sure? You just seem… I don’t know. Upset.”

“I’m frustrated,” I snap. “And having my authority undermined in front of the rest of the gang isn’t helping.”

“I didn’t mean to undermine you.” He holds up his hands, his voice softening. “I’m just worried about you, Quinn.”

I let out a breath, some of the tension seeping from my shoulders. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Maybe I don’t have to, but I do anyway.” He takes a step closer, ducking his head a little to catch my gaze. “I know you better than probably anyone else in Enigma, and I can tell this shit is getting to you. I don’t think having Nico and his seconds around all the time is good for you. They’re a distraction.”

My stomach swoops a little at the mention of Nico, Atlas, and Killian. I still don’t know where things stand between all three of us, or what any of what’s happened recently means, but that’s definitely not something I’m going to confide in Emmett—especially given our history.

“I’m fine,” I tell him instead. “I’m focused.”

He gives me a look I can’t quite read. “Are you?”

“Yes.” I nod, straightening my shoulders. “I know what we have to do, and I won’t stop until it’s done. And until that happens, I really need you to back me up. Alright?”

He hesitates, half opening his mouth like he wants to say something else. Then he shuts it and nods. “Of course, boss.”

“Good. We’re gonna get through this, but we all have to be on the same page.”

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