Page 72 of The Broken Note

I glare at him. Open my mouth. “Who the hell do you think—”

“You said I don’t know what you’re dealing with. So give me a list.” He gestures to his brothers. “We’ll tackle them one at a time.”

Zane nods at me.

Finn just folds his arms over his chest.

My brows tighten in confusion. What’s the trick? Does he really expect me to believe that they’ll help me?

Dutch frowns impatiently.

I glare at him. “First on the list… is getting you to leave me the hell alone.”

“Not happening. Next.” He flicks his fingers.

I scowl.

He waits, his face a cryptic mask.

I realize he’s not going to let me leave until I name something. What should I say? I can’t tell Dutch that I’m planning on working with his dad to get Jinx’s information. If I jeopardize my agreement with her, Serena will never survive.

“We’re waiting, Brahms,” Dutch says, tilting his head to one side. Sunlight falls over his golden hair. His tongue slides across his bottom lip. “Don’t make us wait long.”

I’m pretty sure he’s used that tone on me before. Right before he sent my favorite teacher, Mr. Mulliez, packing.

My heart thunders.

“Serena,” I blurt, hating that I’m trapped. Hating that a part of me is willing to put hope in these dangerous, reckless boys. If I could, I’d set them on fire. All of them. Except Sol.

Or maybe I’d throw him in the flames too.

For the sin of being Dutch Cross’s friend.

“I want her name cleared. I want her back in Redwood.”

“Okay—”

“And I want the real culprit caught. I want him to bleed. I want him burned at the freaking stake.”

Sol goes pale.

Finn scowls at me.

Zane glances away.

Dutch’s eyes flash to mine, less amber, more black. Two endless pits of shadows.

When he speaks, his words are gritty. “We’ll find a way.”

Sol whips a sharp look over at Dutch.

I nod and rise to my feet.

Dutch stops me with a raised hand. “Is that it?”

“Get that done first.” I sling my purse over my shoulder. “Then I’ll tell you the rest.”

His mouth twists into a hard line.

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