Page 9 of Inside the Wicked

“Hey, none of that,” Rix says in reprimand as if he’s a mind reader. “We don’t fixate on anything but now. Getting him back.”

“I’ve tried,” I say, and I curse the crack in my voice.

Rix’s expression falls for a second, understanding.

“I couldn’t truly believe he was dead either. I’ve been with Alistair this whole time thinking he would slip up and I would know for sure my hope wasn’t pathetic bullshit. I’ve been through countless files every small chance I get. I’ve tried eavesdropping on his meetings. I’ve tried compliance, as if he’ll finally admit he’s been holding him, and I’ve foundnothing.I failed him.”

“You did no such thing. You have an in at the place none of us have ever been able to infiltrate. You gained Alistair’s trust. Rhett would be furious to know where you’ve been, because he’s protective as shit, but he’d also be so damn proud of you.”

A dry sob escapes me. I miss him so fucking much, and it’s a pain that grows every day.

“What did you find?” I ask.

“A lead. It took all this time for one of our guys to gain enough trust to be accepted into Alistair’s network. We lost three just by trying. Any slight slipup or suspicion and they don’t take chances.”

“They found him?”

“Mention of him. We still don’t know his location, but we have confirmation Rhett is being kept somewhere alive.”

“Your guy on the inside—is he safe now?”

Rix tenses at the topic. His fists flex. “He’s my little brother, Jeremy. He was never supposed to evenattemptit, but he went behind our backs, the little shit. He has no choice but to keep it up now until we can get him the fuck out.”

My stomach tightens. I know a little about Jeremy too, and my nerves sharpen for the audacious teen.

“I want in,” I say.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”

I smile, and for the first time in what seems like an eternity, I feel alive. Rhett is out there, and all my time with his uncle won’thave been for nothing. I’m stronger, smarter, and I have more knowledge of this underworld that’s shaking on the brink of war.

“I have an in with Jacob Forthson too,” I admit.

Rix’s eyes snap to me with shock. “Holy shit. How are you pulling that off?”

“He wants me to take down Alistair. I want to take them both down.”

Rix looks me over as if I’ve turned into a new person. “Well, damn, Red. It’s one thing to hear admiration about you, but I’m considering switching teams right now just for a chance.”

I huff a laugh and stand. “What do you need me to do?”

“We still have some pretty damn hard networks to get through before we can get a trace on his location. Don’t do anything yet. If Alistair finds out we know, he’ll only move him, and I don’t want to imagine what he’ll do to you if he finds you in places you shouldn’t be. Hang tight for now.”

He can’t be serious. There’s no damn way I’mhanging tightwith the confirmation Rhett is out there. Pushing my guilt aside at how long it took to get the confirmation, now I’m more determined than ever. No matter what it takes.

“Can you take me to Xoid? Rhett once spoke of a den.”

“Can you shake your guard dogs? If they find our place ... it’ll be detrimental.”

That racks me with turmoil, but I have to do this.

“I’ll find a way.”

Rix purses his lips and folds his arms. “Fine. We’re trusting you, Red. Because Rhett sure as hell did.”

Pride blooms in my chest. “Have you heard from Allie?”

“Shit, I thought you knew. We haven’t been able to find her since she was taken the same day Rhett disappeared. I discovered who she really is, but her family seem to be under the impression she’s taken a five-month leave, so there’s no missing persons report on their part.”

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