Page 69 of Stars and Scars

She pulls one of the wooden chairs out, scraping it across the floor, and plops her perfect bottom onto it.

“I’m listening.”

“Harlowe found out the identity of the man who tried to extort money from you.”

“She did? Does that mean he’s the leader of the Order?”

I sigh, and shake my head.

“It’s complicated. So far, we don’t have any direct evidence to tie him to the Order. But his ideology seems to mesh with theirs, very well in fact. Even if he’s not directly a member, he could be involved.”

She frowns deeply.

“But you’re not sure?”

“No, but I’d still love a chance to ask him about it in person. Wouldn’t you?”

She nods, but I can see trouble clouding her gaze.

“Yeah, I do want to talk to him, but…can we even find him? Aren’t those hacker types really hard to pin down?”

“I don’t have a home address, but I do know where he’s likely to be tonight.”

She studies my face for a long moment, and then gasps.

“We’re going back to Wyatt’s aren’t we?”

“Yes. We are.”

She smiles, her face growing even more lovely, if that is possible.

“All right. I guess I’ll be an outfit repeater, just this once, and wear the dress I have with me.”

“There’s only one problem. We don’t have any invitations this time.”

Charlotte stands up and takes the phone out of her pocket.

“You leave that detail to me. If you want something to do, you can look at good places for us to eat along the way.”

“Will do.”

I watch as she exits the cabin, phone in hand. If McCloud is connected to the Order, I bet I can get him to talk. Hackers usually have a low fear and pain tolerance.

I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Charlotte.

Whatever it takes.

19

CHARLOTTE

The sun stretches long shadows across the woods while I touch base with some of my peeps, trying to score a reservation for Wyatt’s big party.

I don’t think it will be quite as easy as last time. There may be people there who remember Gray and I from our first visit. Fortunately, we didn't cause any sort of disturbance. Maybe it will work out.

I don't know how to feel about being this close to finding the man who tried to extort me. Part of me is afraid of what might happen. If we lay hands on one of the Aegis Order’s members, won’t they retaliate?

I have plenty to be worried about. I’ve worked hard to keep my personal life and professional life separate. Fortunately, my parents don’t have much of an online presence and never did. That should make it harder for the Order to find them.

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