Page 70 of Crown of Lies

“There’s still one person I can’t seem to track down,” I say, setting my glass on the counter with a soft clink. “Another old friend of my dad’s. Every lead we’ve followed on him has turned into a dead end.”

I start pacing the kitchen, my bare feet padding softly on the cool tile. “It’s driving me crazy. This guy was supposedly one of my father’s closest confidants back in the day. If anyone knows what was really going on, it’s him.”

“We’ll find him,” Nico assures me, but I can hear the uncertainty in his voice.

I stop pacing and lean against the counter, crossing my arms. “I know we will. It’s just frustrating. Every day that passes feels like we’re losing ground.”

As if on cue, there’s a commotion outside. Nico’s hand goes to his weapon as we both tense. After a moment, we hear the all-clear signal from one of the guards.

“False alarm,” Nico says, but neither of us relaxes completely.

This is our new normal. Constant vigilance, always on edge, waiting for the next move from The Saint or his goons. It’s exhausting, but necessary.

As I head back up to my room to get dressed, I start to worry all over again that we’re running out of time. The Saint is out there, planning his next move. And somewhere, this contact of my dad’s is hiding out, possibly holding the answers we so desperately need.

We have to find him.

I’mat the tattoo parlor, idly sketching out a new design when my phone buzzes. Emmett’s name flashes on the screen. I hesitatefor a moment before answering. Things have been a little awkward between us since he walked in on Atlas and me, but he’s been making an effort to get back to normal.

“Hey, Emmett. What’s up?”

“Quinn, we found him.” Emmett’s voice crackles with excitement.

My heart skips a beat. “Wait, you mean?—”

“Yeah, your dad’s old friend. The one we’ve been looking for.”

I set down my pencil, my full attention on the call. “Holy shit. How?”

“Turns out he was using an alias. That’s why we couldn’t track him down before. But we got a lucky break and managed to connect the dots.”

I lean back in my chair, processing this information. It feels like we’ve finally caught a break after weeks of dead ends.

“That’s amazing, Emmett. Thank you.” I pause, realizing how genuinely grateful I am. Not just for this news, but for everything. “I mean it. Thanks for sticking with this, even when things got a little complicated.”

There’s a moment of silence on the other end. When Emmett speaks again, his voice is softer. “Of course. You know I’ve always got your back.”

And I do know. In spite of everything that’s happened, Emmett’s loyalty has never wavered. He’s been there through it all, even when he didn’t agree with my choices.

“So, what’s our next move?” I ask, already mentally preparing for whatever comes next.

“I’ve got an address. We can go check it out if you’re up for it.”

“Definitely. I’ll make some calls and we can meet up here at the shop before we head out.”

I hang up with Emmett and immediately start dialing Nico’s number. When he doesn’t answer after a few rings, I fire off a quick text to him, Atlas, and Killian.

ME:Found Dylan. Going to check it out now. Will update later.

I’m about to pocket my phone when it buzzes with Nico’s reply.

NICO:Wait. We’ll go with you.

I chew my lip, considering. It’s already getting late in the day, and I know Nico and Atlas are busy securing their new temporary clubhouse. It’s important work that can’t be put off.

So is this.

My phone rings. It’s Nico.

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