Page 105 of Conquering Oz

She took the bag, smiling. “Thank you.”

Elodie nodded and rounded the counter, walking Camille to the door. She unlocked it and opened it wide.

“Thanks for stopping by and” —Elodie sighed, leaning against the door— “sharing with me.”

Elodie recognized how much courage and love Camille had for Oz to open up to a complete stranger.

Camille took a few steps and slowly turned.

“Not everything is as it seems in the Underground. You’d be surprised at the amount of humanity you’ll find there.” Camille clamped her lips and started to the car parked at the front of the store. Elodie closed the door but stayed in front of the window, watching until Cam’s taillights disappeared down the road.

****

The last place Oz wanted to be was in the basement of the safe house questioning a liar. What was the point? There was only one outcome. It didn’t matter what the man said or offered. But still, he tried.

“If I tell you where my uncle is hiding” —Karl gulped— “will you let me go?”

The room was silent. No amount of betrayal was bigger than this. Garner was willing to go against the Underground for this kid, and Karl was eager to throw him under the bus to save himself. There was no honor in this move, especially since it was Garner who’d done everything to spare his nephew. Karl’s fate was sealed the second he’d opened his mouth to the authorities. No one could save him from the wrath of the Underground.

Oz shared a look with Trey and lifted his chin. Trey stepped forward, standing in front of Karl. He’d already been worked over, bleeding from his mouth, cheek, and temple. The bruising was covered by his clothes, but Oz knew there’d be welts all over his body. That was the price one paid for betraying the Underground.

“Where is he?” Trey asked.

Karl gulped, shifting his gaze around the room at the men. “You’ll let me go?”

Trey shrugged. “Why not.”

“He’s out of state, up north. There’s a house off exit eighteen. Get off the highway, make a left. About two miles down, there’s a bend in the road. The driveway is on the left. He’s probably got about ten guys with him. No cameras, but he’ll have it heavily guarded.”

Fucking traitor.

Trey glanced back at Oz, and he gave a sharp nod. One move was all it took for every man in the room to withdraw their weapons and aim them directly at Karl. His eyes widened, and he scooted back to the wall on his knees.

“You said you’d let me go,” he pleaded.

Rogue stepped forward. “We fucking lied.” The shot rang out through the room. Only one was necessary, but Rogue shot again and again. Karl’s lifeless body lay on the floor with blood pooling around his head and chest. There was no need to check for a pulse. Rogue walked toward the corner of the room, passing Oz.

“That was a bit over the top.” Oz narrowed his gaze.

Rogue grinned. “That was me being nice.”

True.

Oz resisted the urge to smile and walked out with Nash by his side. He hadn’t expected Trey to follow him.

“Have you spoken to Elle?”

Oz clenched his jaw. He had twenty-four-hour security on her building with strict instructions. If she left, they were to follow. It had nothing to do with concern she’d go to the police. He just needed her safe. As of now, she had yet to leave the apartment, and her store had only opened today.

Oz didn’t know how to approach her or the situation. But of one thing he was certain. Elodie was his, and he’d find a way to make it right with her. For now, he’d give her space.

“No,” Oz said and turned to Trey. “And neither you nor Rogue will go above me on this. If I find out you did, there will be consequences.”

“Iwouldn’t,” Trey said.

Oz’s gaze shifted over his shoulder to Rogue, who was walking out of the house. “And you make sure he doesn’t.”

Oz got into the SUV and glanced down at his phone. Still no call from her.

---