Page 18 of The Phantom's Vice

“We’re going on an adventure. How’s that sound?” I say, keeping my voice cheerful as I tap the inside of the carrier. To his credit, he only resists for a moment before hopping inside, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I sling the carrier over my shoulders.

I just have to pray The Pet Paradise has a spot open for boarding.

I had to go to three different establishments before I could find one that would take a cat with Venom’s temperament. It was well worth it to ensure his safety, but I was sonot in the mood to receive shit from the guys for being late—especially since this was the first time in my whole damn career.That doesn’t matter, though. Any sign of a mistake, and they flock to me like vultures to a carcass.

“Brett! Do you realize what time it i—whoa. Who the fuck shit in your oats?” Samuel’s eyes gowide as he elbows Parker, calling their attention to the scowl on my face.

“Hey, guys. It’s been a bad morning. Need coffee,” I grumble, stumbling toward the break room.

“Brett? You okay?” Jim’s voice rings out to my left, and I jump, not realizing his proximity.

“Shit! You scared me,” I pant, holding a hand over my racing heart.

“I can see that.” His hazel eyes take in my expression carefully. “What’s with you? You come in here looking like a frightened doe—late,might I add. Very uncharacteristic, Evangeline.”

I pop a pod into the machine, refusing to meet his inquisitive gaze.Must not tell him. Cannot tell him. Just don’t think about the Phantom and his weird gifts and you’ll be fine. Just… think about puppies—puppies are good. Puppies don’t leave you cryptic firecracker notes or vandalize your dessert.

“Fine. You don’t want to talk? That’s great. You just sit on whatever crawled up your ass, and I won’t tell you what you missed in the meeting.”

I whip my head up, my glare already in full force. “I’m really not in the mood, Jim.”

Jim sighs, tapping his foot gently against the floor. “Always so serious. If you cameout with us sometime, you might learn to loosen up.” When I don’t respond, Jim clears his throat nervously. “Right. The meeting—we got an anonymous tip last night.”

This piques my interest. “About?”

“We think we know who the Phantom’s next target is. And most importantly—where the attempt will happen.”

“And how did this ‘person’ come by this information?”

Jim shrugs, refusing to meet my eyes. “Who knows. That’s the beauty of anonymity. But the chief is taking it seriously. He wants?—”

“Don’t you think that’s a tad suspicious?” I interrupt. “For months, we’ve been scrounging for crumbs, and suddenly, an anonymous tip comes through with the Phantom’s next target and location?” I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Yeah, right. This is bullshit.”

Jim shrugs, refusing to meet my eyes once more. “Like I was saying, the chief thinks?—”

“Damn what he thinks!” I say, lowering my voice so we won’t be overheard. “Damn him, Jim. This is bullshit. You know it is.”

“Maybe. But it’s all we have right now. He wants this whole Phantom mess wrapped up before theelection, and he’s willing to go off any lead that comes his way. Maybe we’ll get lucky—maybe someone who works with him flipped.”

I shake my head, my chest tightening with that horrible, helpless feeling. “He doesn’t workwithanyone, Jim. No Phantom ever has! Just let me talk to the chief. I can make him see reason. If I just had five minutes to explain?—”

“Brett, there’s nothing you can do!” Jim interrupts, his eyes alight with a frighteningly violent sheen. Seeing the look on my face, his shoulders droop, and he looks to the side. “There’s nothingwecan do. Nothing but go along with the plan and hope to God it’s not what we think it is. You never know…”

“Yeah. Right.” I scoff, pulling the steaming mug of coffee from the tray and pushing past Jim, refusing to look at him.I’m lateonetime, and all hell decides to break loose. That checks out.“Whatever he has planned… it’s a stupid idea. Put it on the record.”

“Consider it recorded,” Jim grumbles, rubbing his hand over the back of his neck. “I haven’t even told you the worst part.”

I freeze. “The worst part?”

“Yeah.” He sighs, his eyes trailing to the ceiling. “He wants you for security detail. Undercover.”

“How is that the worst part?” I frown. “I’ve done way worse?—”

“It’s a masquerade ball.”

I choke. “I’m sorry. Awhat?”

Jim shrugs, regarding me like he would a polar bear. “It’s the annual senator’s ball. You know how they enjoy their… extravagances. We’re expected to fit in, and that means ball gowns and masks.”

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