Page 46 of His Sacrifice

I shook my head. “I got dinner to go.”

“For you and Creed?” she asked, her voice dripping with feigned innocence.

I nodded. “Yes. I told him I was just meeting an old friend for a drink, and then I would bring dinner home.”

Candace nodded her approval. “You’re pretty good at lying, Jada. And, I have to say that I am damned impressed that you were able to get that Ken doll to fall for you.”

“It wasn’t easy,” I confessed, though my voice was steady.

“Yes, Creed always was the loner of the guys. Though a pretty face always did turn his eye.”

The waiter brought over her drink. “Your to-go order should be ready in about fifteen minutes,” he said before walking away.

I nodded and took another sip of my water, my throat feeling dry despite the liquid.

“Just enough time to catch up,” Candace smiled, a predator ready to pounce. “Why don’t you just start from the beginning.”

“First, can I ask a question?” I ventured, my heart pounding in my chest.

Candace shrugged. “You can ask, but I don’t have to answer.”

“How did you know about me and Creed? I thought the whole point of me spying on the Banachis was because you needed to know what they are doing.”

“I have eyes most places, Jada. Unfortunately, when my hand was forced, and the Banachis found out I was Brandt’s sister, my access directly to the Banachis was lost. That’s why I need you.”

“Creed doesn’t tell me any big secrets,” I protested, trying to downplay my involvement.

Candace took a long drink, savoring the martini. “I’ll be the judge of that. Small details can be very important.”

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her scrutiny. “Alright,” I began, my voice steadying. “What do you want to know?”

Candace leaned back, her eyes never leaving mine. “Everything.”

I started with the basic info. “Murphy was with Tatum ninety percent of the time. When he wasn’t, there were people apparently somewhere watching her. The same went for Apollo and Greer. Princeton was at Wyndermere with Kitty.”

“Anything about the Devil’s Knights?” Candace asked, leaning forward with a sharp gaze.

I tipped my head to the side, genuinely puzzled. “I don’t know what that is.”

She flitted her hand dismissively. “They’re a footnote as far as I’m concerned.”

Then why was she asking about them?

“Have you met Leo?” she inquired, her tone casual but probing.

“Once. Creed took me to their office last week,” I replied, feeling the tension in my shoulders ease a little. Creed told me not to lie unless I had to.

Candace waited, her eyes locked on mine, expecting more.

“Uh, he didn’t say much to me. He did mention that he was headed to St. Louis this week, and that Apollo was going with him,” I added, hoping it was enough.

Candace perked up at the mention of St. Louis. “When was he leaving?” she asked, her interest piqued.

I shrugged. “He just said this week. Do you want me to try to find out from Creed?”

She shook her head and drained the last of her drink. “I’ll find that out on my own. You did well, Jada. Keep your ears open, and I’ll be in touch next week.”

Before she could get up, I grabbed her hand. “He doesn’t tell me much,” I rushed out. “I try to listen to him and Murphy when they’re around the store, but they don’t talk about anything important.”

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