Page 36 of Rising from the Ashes

Who is he talking to?

As he throws it back in his bag, he begins to turn around to look at me. I hurriedly squeezed my eyes shut, hoping he didn’t see the movement from across the dark room. I can hear him throw his bag over his shoulder. His gun grates against the top of the dresser as he pulls it off and turns to exit my room. I hear his footsteps fading down the hallway as he goes to leave. Once I hear the front door close, I quickly throw the covers off of my body, and jump out of bed. Grabbing whatever clothes I can find, I throw my black skinny jeans, a crop top, and black heels back on.

Picking up my phone, I tap on the location app we use to keep tabs on other Society members. Most are at headquarters; some are scattered throughout different states. But honing in on Shado’s icon, he is heading to the trashy part of Edinburgh, Raventown.

Throwing my jacket over my shoulders, I grab my helmet and head out the door. Stepping outside, I am greeted with the cool Massachusetts night air, the wind lightly blowing my hair around my neck. If I weren’t so agitated by Shado’s sudden secrecy, I would enjoy going for a late night ride with no ulterior motives, but the tingling at the base of my spine is sending me a warning signal that something is off, and I don’t like the feeling of something being hidden from me, especially after everything I have confided in him.

Chill, Cal. He’s not Silas.

Raventown is about a fifteen minute ride to the epicenter of Edinburgh from my safehouse, so I throw my helmet on and make the small trek, keeping an eye on Shado’s movement.

***

I pull up to the alleyway behind Raven’s, a raunchy run down strip club, where all of the most dangerous crime lords tend to mingle. I had only heard of it because my father’s men frequented it so much. Then, two street gang leaders were trying to gain power and not respecting how things run here inside the city, so my father ordered that I take them out. Being the dutiful daughter I was, I did without question, right as they were walking out of the back alley of Raven’s.

In the front it is camouflaged as a mechanic shop, the back alley entrance leads you to the strip club and poker rooms. It reminds me of a modern day speakeasy, but instead of a password it’s a line they twisted and ripped off from one of Shakespeare's most famous plays, Hamlet.

The dead are silent.

Parking my bike behind a dumpster, I notice Shado walking outside with a tall salt and pepper haired man. Trying to get a closer look, I weave my way between the dumpsters to a stack of empty supply boxes.

Once I settle into the tiny nook, I peek my head out toward their direction, noticing who Shado is talking with.

Drake Reign.

Until I joined the Guardians, I thought Drake was just another underboss trying to take over the city like every other thug. During training, it was divulged to me that it is his mission to single handedly disband all of the crime rings, and clean up Edinburgh. So, in my eyes, that meant he was on my side, especially if he ever tried to go after my father. Drake covers his tracks and never lets the other crimelords get wind of what he is doing because he keeps his hands clean. He uses other men to infiltrate and take them out from the inside.

So, what is Shado doing talking to him?

Stretching my neck out as far as it will go, I try to eavesdrop on their conversation.

“Where are we with Everly and The Society?” Drake asks, the irritation on his face evident.

Shado mumbles something, like he is avoiding answering the question, but the only words I can make out are home and CiCi.

Who is CiCi?

Loud and clear, I hear Drake demand, “Why isn’t Calista Silvestri off the board?”

My mouth gapes open hearing my name escape his lips. Why would he want me off the board? I am not a crime boss. If anything, I’ve rid Edinburgh of more than my fair share, more than he has.

I see Shado look down at the ground at his feet, trying to formulate a response. Drake cuts him off as he opens his mouth, I can only hear bits of the conversation and what he says as the music from the club washes over the alley as someone opens the back door.

“You’ve fallen for her? At most they’re pieces of ass, then you kill them.”

“You fell for CiCi.” Shado points out.

“That’s fucking different. She was an informant. Not a crime boss’ daughter.” I recognize Drake’s stance instantly. He widens his feet and clenches his fists.

“You should have already taken down The Society and Calista. Enzo was the last player to be left standing.”

“Everly and her organization aren’t the enemy here, Drake. Nor is Cal.”

My emotions are fighting each other. He lied to me repeatedly the last few weeks about his intentions. Just like my father. But he’s also the man that saved me. Even now, working under Drake’s mission.

Drake says something, his face filled with amusement.

Shado looks frustrated as his tattooed muscles tighten and he runs his hands through his hair. Turning away from their conversation, I lean my back against the wall. Anxiety flourishes in the pit of my stomach as a familiar feeling of anger begins to take over. Letting my head drop against the wall, I fight back the tears that are threatening to fall.

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