Page 47 of Sinful Palace

“Yes, but it would explain why they’re always so vague about the society’s overall cause, right? I joined months ago, and I still have no idea what it’s really about. They’ve alluded to making the world a better place, but that’s about it. We aren’t told how they’re trying to make that happen, aside from the odd nebulous statement here and there.”

“Well, you’re still very new. They tell you more and more as you go along.”

She folded her arms. “So what do you know, then?”

“From what I‘ve seen, the society does seem to be focused on helping the world. I’ve been asked to do tasks before that involved me giving the Order council intelligence from Caldwell servers about known terrorist groups here in America. Ones that the government refused to do anything about for some reason. A few weeks later, every member of those groups was in prison, and the country was slightly safer. That wouldn’t have happened without the Order’s influence.”

Willow’s shoulders sagged. “So you think they really are good? You don’t think there’s a secret faction within the ranks who might do horrible things?”

“I’m not saying that,” I said, shaking my head. “Like I said before, it’s possible, and I think the council is definitely hiding something. But I don’t know what it is, and honestly, I don’t know what I can do about any of it to help your mom and Jamie.”

“You can look into it for me,” she said in a low voice. “Use your connections and work resources.”

“You mean you want me to investigate the Order?”

“Uh-huh.”

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea.”

“Why?”

“Do you know what happens to people who betray the society?” I said, raising my brows.

“Not really, but I’ve heard rumors. I know it’s not good.”

“Exactly. If I start investigating them and someone finds out, I’m fucked. I might be okay with that, except you’d be fucked too, for instigating the whole thing. And I’m not okay with that.” I slowly shook my head. “Besides, I wouldn’t even know where the hell to begin.”

“I might have an idea,” Willow said, cheeks flushing pink.

“What?”

“I think I know who Q is,” she said. “If I’m right, it could be a good jumping-off point for an investigation, because it’s someone close to us.”

My brows shot up. “Who do you think it is?”

She averted her eyes. “Do you promise not to laugh at me?”

“Do I really seem like I’m in a laughing mood today?”

She took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet mine again. “I think it might be your dad.”

I couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle at that. “Seriously?”

Her face turned even redder. “You said you wouldn’t laugh.”

“Sorry.” I cleared my throat and straightened my face. “Why would you think it’s him?”

“Think about it. Whoever Q is, it has to be someone with a ton of money and power. Your dad fits that profile. Also, the Order parties are very similar to Wonderland parties. You said yourself that they share the same staff and escorts.”

“Yes, but my dad is a council member. He might coordinate and organize all the entertainment for the society, but that’s probably because he owns Wonderland and therefore has the necessary resources. It doesn’t mean he’s actually Q. It just means he’s a high-ranking member who does his part to help the society function.”

“Maybe, but that’s not the only reason I think it could be him,” she said, stubbornly crossing her arms. “Remember that Order meeting we had? The one where Q Skyped in to address us?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Your dad was missing that night.”

“Four other council members were missing too. They went to help Q set everything up, remember?”

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