Page 122 of The Twilight Theft

Because he’s better at this job than you are, Drew.

I held out my left hand, showing him the drive and the key, breathing slowly to calm my racing heart. “Take them.”

“If you’re with us, why are you shaking?”

“You’re pointing a gun at my head.” I lifted my eyebrows, conveying more confidence than I felt.

“The phoenix will rise.” The corner of Enzo’s mouth quirked up and in a swift motion, he holstered his gun. As he snatched the drive, I noticed a small tattoo on the web between his thumb and index finger—a phoenix. He leaned against my desk. “How long will Vanessa be?”

Craig pulled out his phone. “I’ll text her.”

Had Jayce gone in alone? She’d told me her team had a tip, but would they all have gone in together? Did they retrieve the bird before Vanessa did? Or did my ex and my new woman have it out again?

Worry about that later.

All attempts to push Jayce into my emotional locker had failed. This was no different. I had to get through this and make sure she was all right. If Vanessa hurt her, I’d—

Focus on survival first.

“Let’s open Wyatt’s safe,” I said to Craig. Hopefully, he had enough pull with Enzo that I’d make it out alive. “How much time do we have?”

“Shouldn’t be more than a half hour.” Craig pocketed his phone and inclined his head toward the hallway.

With a slight nod from Enzo, Craig and I left for Wyatt’s office. His steps were casual, as though a madman wasn’t waiting for us to finish.

“What have you gotten us into?” I whispered once we were out of earshot. It was a foolish question. He’d already given me the sob story, and whether or not it was true, he’d stick with it. Using the word‘us’was the important part—it reinforced I was on his side. “And what’s in Wyatt’s safe?”

Light crept into Wyatt’s office from the hallway. It was dim, except in the only spot that mattered—the light over the cowboy painting was always on.

Craig guided me around the desk and swung out the painting which hid the safe. He spoke quietly. “Vanessa didn’t respond. If she doesn’t get the bird, we’re in trouble. This is bigger than you can imagine.”

“Then let me help you.”

He nodded and tapped the safe. “This is how you help. You’re doing a great job.”

I took a deep breath, inserting the key into the lock. As I turned it, the soft click of the mechanism was like a tiny voice telling me I was selling my soul again. So many lies. Jayce was the only one who was honest with me. I should have confessed more before I left her.

Fuck, I should have realized more and realized it sooner. How much time had I wasted trying to convince myself she was wrong for me?

Craig nudged me to the side and opened the door. He riffled through papers and envelopes, searching for something.

“Tell me more about this organization.” I needed intel if I was going to make it through the night. “How is Wyatt involved?”

“Vanessa didn’t lie about Wyatt. Mostly.” He pulled out a stack of papers, flipped through it, and dropped it onto the desk to pull out more. “The dirt he had was on us, and we had to make sure he didn’t reveal anything.”

If he put Wyatt through enough to have him steal the chip at the gala, what would he do to me if he thought I’d call the cops the first chance I got? I rested a hand on the paperwork he’d placed on the desk. “Do you need me to go through these?”

“I’m not sure what I’m looking for.” Craig paused, hand inside the safe. “I know he gave you the key in case he didn’t get away tonight. He must have stashed whatever he found in here and assumed you’d give it to the police.”

“He didn’t give Vanessa any indication of what it might be?”

“No. He said he’d give her the details when he was sure. That was a month ago.”

Maybe Wyatt had discovered Vanessa’s role and realized his mistake in going to her.

“How do Alex and The Flame of Khvarenah fit in here?”

Craig peeked inside a manila envelope and added it to the stack on the desk. “Fenix is a dangerous organization. Either you’re in, or…”

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