Page 94 of The Twilight Theft

If this was an important job, why hadn’t they recalled their tech guy? If Reynolds took on an op they needed me for, it didn’t matter what was going on—Evelyn expected me to be there. I’d have to mention that to Scarlett. Although she probably knew already.

“Do you know who I am?” snapped a man behind us. “Take your hands off me.”

One of the security staff gestured for a middle-aged man to take his spot in the lineup to leave. “Sir, if you’d—”

The man backed away, yanking his arm so the guard couldn’t touch it.

A woman next to him sidestepped to avoid them both and stumbled closer to the stand with the golden bird. She flailed, one high heel buckling underneath her.

I flew out of Drew’s grasp, pain streaking up my leg.

She collided with the stand, and it tipped. The bird rocked to the side.

Why the hell wasn’t it secure?

My leg wouldn’t sustain me, so I dove.

The woman landed on the floor as the security guard caught the bird’s stand.

You should have caught the bird, Mr. Useless.

I slammed into the ground and twisted, bracing myself to catch the small statue. It was over fifty pounds. This was going to hurt.

At least I’d succeed at something.

But it landed in my hands with a muted clink instead of a thud. I was once again the center of attention. If I’d had my earpiece in, I would have been talking to my team already. Instead, all I had nearby was Drew. “Drew?”

People surrounded me, no doubt wondering who the crazy woman tumbling through the banquet room was. The rips and blood on my dress were a sight to behold. Other than the woman who’d knocked over the statue, who was nervously checking to ensure I was all right, the crowd seemed more interested in me for the entertainment.

Drew crouched next to me, hands out as he surveyed me from head to toe. “You’re—”

“Yeah, yeah,” I said. “I’m reckless, and I need a leash.”

His head drew back sharply.

Yeah, I know all about your little report on me, Drew.“This isn’t the real huma bird statue.”

His eyes practically bugged out of his head.

I tossed it at him with one hand.

Drew reacted as I had, bracing for a heavy weight and almost falling over when the light bird landed in his hands. “It’s a fake.”

“Yup.” I let out a slow breath and hung my head. Four VIP items on display. Digital Twilight had a piece yanked off it. The scarab was a stolen item. Now the huma bird was a fake. What was the mirror’s story?

Drew hooked a finger in Craig’s direction as he stood. He offered me a hand, but I refused.

I could stand on my own, even with only one functional leg.

When Craig joined us, Drew handed over the statue and said, “It’s supposed to be over fifty pounds of solid gold.”

The security guy in the black suit who’d accosted me for taking photos barged into our group. “If you’re not allowed to take photos, you’re not allowed”—he swiped the bird from Craig—“to touch the artifacts.”

I cocked an eyebrow at the rude thug. No wonder Scarlett did it so often. It felt liberating.

The man looked at Liana as she stepped into our circle.

“We’re dealing with more than the chip, Liana.” Drew slid his arm around my waist again, holding tight enough I could use him for balance. “This is a fake. Do you have anyone who can verify the genuine gold statue was here at the start of the event?”

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