Page 28 of The Eagle's Vault

“And how long did it take you to pick it?” My thinnest Gonzo hook had proven to be the right size to get inside the lock.

“Eight minutes.”

“And who else here could pick it?”

Her eyesdidshift to her brother this time, then back to me. “Only you.”

I was not saying this out loud. She’d seen it and kept it quiet. But everyone needed to know, so I could take the right Barton in. “And how long did it take me?”

Leigh fidgeted with the hem of her loose T-shirt. “Doesn’t matter. Filing is faster, so it’s the better option.”

All eyes shifted to Leigh, waiting to hear the answer, until Jayce gasped theatrically. “Leigh was faster than Declan?”

Leigh shrugged, looking as though she wanted to sink into the floor. Exactly like I’d told Scarlett, Leigh was too quiet for me.

But the arguments were simple. She was the one.

Leigh finally nodded and said, “Okay. I’ll do it.”

Chapter 11

Leigh

Theporcelainsinkwascold under my palms, a chilly counterpoint to the prickling warmth of the thermal insulation suit clinging to me like a second skin. Was that even me staring back from the hotel bathroom mirror?

It was just after midnight on Friday morning, and my two fairy godmothers waited outside the door, so they could inspect every inch of me.

Reynolds Recoveries would be paid well for the penetration test. Double the price for leaving no trace. Triple the price to do it before Cassaforte’s opening in nine hours. Barton Safes would receive a percentage, plus a lot more training than I’d expected when I boarded the flight to Rome with Isaac a week and a half ago.

I was about to infiltrate a safe deposit box company. A guard would let me in the back door, I’d bypass all the security on an Eisenhart VIII and steal a chess piece as proof.

In.

Out.

Payday.

The adrenaline in my veins was a reminder it was too much, a marathon after a sleepless night. Or maybe it was the caffeine, the overtired delirium of a madwoman. Isaac had asked me about headaches at least a dozen times since I’d agreed to this crazy plan. A mild one pulsed at the base of my skull, but it wasn’t the kind he always worried about.

A knock shattered the stillness, followed by Scarlett’s voice. “You’re stalling, Leigh. Let’s go.”

“Maybe Declan should take Isaac,” I shot back, trying not to let them hear the shake in my voice.

The response was a burst of laughter, Jayce’s signature, slicing through my self-doubt. “The only thing Isaac can crack is an egg. Badly.”

I opened the door, even though part of me debated peeing again. Maybe vomiting. I covered my breasts with one arm, the other wanting to cover my crotch. “I’m not sure the suit fits properly.”

“Quit worrying,” said Scarlett. “That suit might as well be painted on. You’re golden.”

Painted on? That was the problem. I’d thought the skirt was too tight when I did the recon with Declan, but this was a whole other level. It was like a superhero costume, which I didnothave the figure to pull off.

“But what…” I paused, unsure why I kept asking the same question over and over. “What about Isaac?”

Scarlett crossed her arms, her gaze steady.

“He’s been pretty quiet.” Under their scrutiny, I was suddenly uncomfortable covering myself up and tried wringing my hands. Crossing my arms. Behind my back? “He might be pissed off that Declan wants me on the job instead.”

“Of course he’s pissed.” Jayce blew a raspberry and pulled a candy from a pocket to hand to me. “Even Declan was pissed you picked that twisty lock faster than him.”

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