Page 77 of Dance With Death

“I heard what happened to Holly. If these people can get to one of your closest friends, I’ve no chance.” Kai swigs. “I need your help to get the hell out of here.”

I glance at Leif. “Mine? Why do people always presume I’m willing and able?”

“Who else can help me get past them?” Kai points to the window. “Your father has the place under guard by witches. My father also employs that bloody dumb security guy you met at my eighteenth. Do you know how crap constant surveillance is?”

I purse my lips and examine the runes that Rowan uncovered. He is correct. Protection.

“From memory, your father expelled you from the family when you refused to sign the documents at your eighteenth-birthday gathering,” I say. “Yet, you’re living in a rather luxurious annex, and there’s a car parked outside. Yours?”

“Yeah. Had the Audi for a year. Dad’s still pissed with me, but not enough that he’d risk my life by making me leave home.”

“Yet you would like to?” I ask.

Rowan replaces the rug and stands. “And you’d trust us?’

“Like I said, Violet can get me past her dad’s watchdogs.”

“You presume that I can and will?” I shake my head. “Kai. I am concerned for your welfare, too. The threat to your life could be greater than you realize.”

“Like you give a shit about me.” Kai snorts.

“Wes was supposed to be you,” says Leif. “Rory killed the wrong guy. The people responsible are still out there.”

“Yeah. I know. Necromancers.” Kai drinks again. “But if I get away from here, and have nothing to do with the Sawyers anymore, I’m safe, right?”

“Incorrect,” I reply.

“Look. I know he—” Kai points at Rowan “—is a better than average witch. And you’re… whatever. Powerful. You could protect me. Spells or some shit.”

“‘Spells or some shit?’” I repeat. “Kai. Until we’ve caught those responsible for the deaths, nobody can risk your life. No. Your request is not possible currently.”

He goes silent, and a muscle feathers in his jaw as he stares into space. Conversation over?

Kai turns his eyes to me, and he speaks again. “What if I could tell you things about my father that nobody knows?”

27

VIOLET

“What things?” I ask sharply. “About Josef? Witches?”

Kai sits, a smug aura coming over him. “Dad has dealings with witches. He gave your father names, which that Josef guy wasn’t happy about.”

“I bet,” says Grayson beneath his breath.

“But Dad’s hiding more,” Kai continues.

I finally sit, perching on the edge of a black leather recliner positioned close to the TV. This changes things. “Continue.”

“I don't know what he’s hiding.”

“Well, that was a pointless bargain.” I make to stand.

“But I can find out. Get into Dad’s office. Check his safe?”

“Do you know what was stolen from the safe at your party?” asks Grayson. “Your dad blames us.”

He shrugs. “I don’t know what’s kept in there. But if I help you find what Dad is hiding, will you do what I’m asking and help me leave?”

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