Page 11 of Turmoil's Target

If my mother won’t tell me who the spy is, then I’ll just have to find out for myself.

I have my own resources, my own connections.

And I’m not afraid to use them.

I’m just stepping into the private elevator when my phone buzzes in my clutch.

Fishing it out, I see Rita’s name flashing on the screen.

“Sera!” Her voice is a lively chirp, a stark contrast to the tension thrumming through my veins. “I need a girls’ night out. Newly single and ready to mingle, you know?”

Despite myself, I feel a smile tug at the corners of my lips.

Rita’s energy is contagious, even through the phone.

“Of course, love,” I reply, injecting a note of enthusiasm into my voice. “You know I’m always down for a night on the town. Where are we headed?”

“Ooh, I was thinking Omnia? I hear they have a new VIP section that’s to die for.”

I hum my approval, stepping out of the elevator and into the bustling casino floor. “Sounds perfect. I’ll have my driver pick you up at nine?”

“You’re the best, Sera!” Rita gushes. “See you tonight!”

As I end the call, I feel a flicker of anticipation beneath the weight of my responsibilities.

A night out with Rita is exactly what I need—a chance to let loose, to forget about all of the pressing matters on my mind.

But first, I have work to do.

I slip my phone back into my clutch, squaring my shoulders as I navigate through the throng of gamblers and revelers.

It’s time to start digging, to uncover the truth that my mother so desperately wants to keep hidden.

CHAPTER THREE

Turmoil

The music reverberates through my chest as Jolt and I enter the crowded club.

Pulsing lights flash over the press of bodies gyrating on the dance floor.

We make our way to the bar, sliding between groups of partiers.

I lean in close to Jolt’s ear so he can hear me over the blaring beat. “Remember, your Jack and I’m Abe for as long as we’re on this op. Got it?”

Jolt nods, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Got it. Time to shake things up a bit, huh, Abe?”

I chuckle and clap him on the back. “You know it, brother. Let’s see what kind of trouble we can get into tonight.”

We grab a couple of stools at the bar and I signal the bartender.

A few minutes later, two whiskeys appear before us.

I raise my glass to Jolt. “To keeping secrets and making new friends.”

“Fuck, I’ll drink to that,” Jolt says, tapping his glass against mine.

The amber liquid burns pleasantly down my throat.

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