Page 52 of Twisted Empire

Disgust pulled at my lips. “Ugh.”

“We need something big to take them down. Something so huge it’s undeniable. Something they can’t even try to cover up.”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I think the only proof that could really help us is in my dad’s favorite study.”

My brows lifted. “What?”

“He films, photographs, or records things so he can blackmail people with all the dirt he has on them if necessary. Take the hunts, for example. He has someone taking photos and filming all of that from the start, before the masks go on. So if a third-level member ever steps out of line or develops a conscience and tries to leave, he’s able to threaten the guy with that—proof that he participated in hunting a human. There’s more, too. He records literally everything, and he keeps files on all members too.”

My heart began to race. “Is there any way we can get to this stash of evidence?”

He shook his head. “Nope. It’s all backed up onto a portable hard drive in his study at the Lodge, and we can’t exactly go back there, can we? You’d be killed instantly if you tried, and I probably would be too. Even if he spared my life because I’m his son, he’d never trust me enough to leave me alone in the place again. Ever. So I’d never have the opportunity to go to his study by myself to find all the shit we’d need to send to the media.”

“Dammit.” I balled my right hand into a fist and tapped it on the desk. “God, there has to be some way….”

“If there is, I haven’t figured it out yet. But keep thinking, Doll,” Elias said. “You’re smart. Probably way fucking smarter than me, if I’m being honest.”

“I dunno. I feel pretty dumb right now.” I looked down at the desk as a cramp began to gnaw at my guts. I knew what had caused it. Stress.

“Don’t be ridiculous. The viral article idea is good. We just need proof, that’s all.”

I nodded slowly and forced myself to smile, trying to muster up some of last week’s determination and positivity. “That’s my new mission, then,” I said. “I’ll try to think of a safe way back into the Lodge. For you, anyway.”

“That’s my girl.” Elias winked. “I’ve been trying to do the same thing. Guess I just have to keep trying.” He glanced at his watch. “Anyway, I’ll have to head out soon. Dr. Paulson is due in Bennington soon. You’ll be okay here on your own for a while?”

I nodded. “Yes. Safest place in the world, right?”

“Right.”

He stood up. I followed suit, intent on giving him a hug. As I swept my arms up, one of them brushed against the empty smoothie glass and knocked it right off the desk. It shattered all over the floor, sending sharp slivers in every direction.

“Shit, sorry,” I said, getting down on my knees so I could start picking up the shards.

“Tatum,” Elias said sharply.

I looked up. He was staring at the floor, eyes wide and face pale. “It’s okay, it’s just a glass,” I said.

“It’s not that. Just stay calm, okay?” He held out a hand. “Come on, baby girl, I need to get you up.”

My brows furrowed. “Why? I’m fi—” The cramp in my abdomen suddenly turned sharper, almost knocking the breath out of me. “Urgh!” I grunted in pain and looked down, clutching at my stomach. Then I saw it, seeping through my pale blue jeans.

Blood.

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