Page 119 of Hidden Echoes

"So? Did you already know, or was this a surprise?"

Charlie sighs beside us.

"Stop poking, Hunter."

"What? I just want to know how well Zane knows his own wife."

"I know Mia better than any of you." My voice comes out steady, but I feel the heat of anger rising in my chest.

Hunter raises his hands in a peaceful gesture.

"Okay, okay. No need to fight. I just find it curious how Mia has been moving in the right circles lately. First my wife... and now, maybe, Laura Barone."

Charlie stares at me.

"That's why you have to take the job, Zane. You want to know what Laura wants with Mia? This is your chance."

I close my eyes for a second, taking a deep breath.

"I don't like working with these fucking mobsters."

"But you will."

My jaw locks.

"I'm not going to do this for you. I'm going to do it for Mia."

Hunter smiles as if he already knew that would be my answer.

"Of course you will."

Charlie doesn't smile, but she looks at me approvingly.

"I knew you wouldn't let me down."

I take a step back, running my hand through my hair.

"I want to know everything you know about Laura Barone. Everything."

Charlie nods.

"So let's start from the beginning."

Hunter leans against the table, arms crossed, still watching me like a patient predator.

"And in the meantime... maybe I should send Mia a new message."

I clench my hand into a fist.

"Do that and I'll break your phone,leader."

He laughs, satisfied.

I already hate all of this. But if anyone is going to find out what the hell Laura Barone wants with Mia, it's me.

And I won't let anything happen to her.

CHAPTER 25

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