Page 49 of Riordan's Revenge

“You started it. So, he found someone who knew her?”

Cassie nodded. “A woman who used to work with her and who lives in Aberdeen. I need to see her.”

I checked my phone for the time. It was after midnight. Aberdeen was a couple of hours’ drive east. Deadwater was over three hours south. It made a much longer trip, but a possible one.

“Then we’ll go there first. We need to be back at the warehouse and locked in when Arran makes his call to Red. I don’t care how many protesters are outside, it’s going to be dangerous as fuck in Deadwater. Not just for you but for everyone. We go now or we don’t go.”

The lamplight danced in her eyes. “Don’t tempt me with a good time.”

Packing took under a minute. I retrieved my bike helmet and backpack, shoving the gun under the possessions my sister had sent. Cassie collected a few things from her room and changed into warmer clothes, zipping herself into a jacket.

We stole out of the apartment like thieves.

From elsewhere in the house, voices sounded, and instead of taking the main staircase, she directed me to another corridor and down a narrow set of steps that led to a back door.

“Worried about seeing your brothers?” I asked.

“More worried about what I’ll say to Jamieson if he tries to manage me again.”

“Will he stop you?”

“I’d like to see him try.”

Outside, a cool and dry night greeted us, with no sign of any remaining skeleton crew, presumably Tyler having sent them home, nor was there a helicopter anywhere in sight. It really was over. The siege had lifted.

Across the car park, we reached the red Audi. Cassie gave a growl of anger and kicked the nearest wheel. Flat. I circled the vehicle. All four of them.

One guess who had done that.

She turned on her heel and marched to a low building that edged the car park. Throwing open a door, she hit the lights and revealed a row of expensive vehicles. I recognised a Rolls-Royce, and the others were clearly high-end and well-maintained. Cassie bypassed them to a lockbox on the wall.

It was empty.

“Let me guess, that should contain keys.”

Mutely, she nodded.

My pulse quickened. I’d never done this before but instantly had the answer. I held out my helmet. “Unless they’ve vandalised my bike as well, get ready for a crash course in riding pillion.”

Cassie lifted her gaze from the garage floor. Amusement replaced the frustration in her features. “Weird way to propose, but I accept.”

“What?”

“Ye know that putting me on the back of your bike is as good as an offer of marriage?”

I folded my arms. “No, it isn’t.”

She sauntered past, collecting my helmet as she went. “I’m not fussed about the type of ring ye buy me, but be aware that I’m telling everyone our news. Shall we go?”

Glowering, I stalked after her.

After my bike had been delivered, I’d moved it to the side of the house. It was where I’d left it, and a quick examination told me it was untouched. Perhaps Jamieson hadn’t seen it, or knew messing with my property would be a step too far.

I stood in front of her and took the helmet. “I’m going to tighten it so it fits your head.”

She grumbled about it flattening her hair but let me touch her. Carefully, I eased it onto her head, tucking her soft curls under.

“Won’t ye be in danger not having one?”

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