Page 35 of King's Reckoning
"Negotiate a truce," the message had said. "End this conflict before more blood is spilled. We have information you need."
"They know about the historical artifacts," Rowan muttered, tracking another security team's movements. "Which means either Blackwood told them, or..."
"Or they've known all along," Reed finished. He lay beside her in their observation post, close enough that she could feel his heat even through their tactical gear. "Maybe they've got their own collection. Their own connections tothese discoveries."
The theory made too much sense. The Devils' sudden organizational sophistication, their targeted grave robberies, their connection to Blackwood's operations—it all pointed to deeper knowledge than a normal MC should possess.
"The original territories were divided for a reason," Rowan said, remembering Flash's research. "The founding families, the first MC chapters... What if they were all connected? All part of whatever historical secrets are buried in this land?"
"And now Blackwood is trying to uncover everything." Reed's voice was grim. "Coming after all of us."
Rowan's hand went unconsciously to Elena's journal, tucked securely in her tactical vest. The pages were filled with references to other families, other historical connections that had been "tied to the original settlements." Had her mother known about the Devils' connection? Was that why she'd run when she did?
"Movement at the gate," Reed reported suddenly. "Their president just arrived. Mason Cole himself."
Rowan trained her binoculars on the incoming motorcycle convoy. The Devils' president cut an impressive figure—tall and broad-shouldered, with silver threading through his dark hair and beard. His presence commanded respect, even from this distance.
"He's serious about this meeting," she said. "Presidents don't usually handle negotiations personally."
"Which makes their proposal more than just MC politics." Reed's hand found hers in the darkness. "Whatever they know, whatever they want from us, it's important enough to bring out their leadership."
"And we need to know what they know," Rowan said, thinking about the artifacts they'd recovered, the historical connections they were only beginning to understand. "Hence this plan of ours."
"You really think you can get close enough at their gathering?" Reed's voice held equal parts admiration and concern.
Rowan smiled. "Mom didn't just teach me to fight. She taught me to gather intelligence, to observe without being noticed." She pulled out her phone, checking the time. "Tiffany should be ready with my cover by now."
The Devils were hosting a gathering—multiple chapters coming together to discuss the growing conflict. The perfect opportunity to slip someone inside, assuming they could get past the security.
"I don't like this," Reed said softly. "Letting you go in alone."
"Not alone." Rowan tapped her earpiece. "I'll have you watching my back. Besides, they're less likely to look too closely at someone posing as a potential business associate."
The plan was risky but calculated. The Devils had legitimate business operations alongside their more questionable activities. Elena had taught her daughter to use every available advantage.
"Just..." Reed's hand tightened on hers. "Be careful. These people are dangerous. And desperate."
"I know." Rowan met his eyes in the darkness, saw the emotion there that neither of them had dared name yet. "Trust me?"
"Always." The word was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of everything between them.
Her phone buzzed. Tiffany's signal that her cover was in place. Time to move.
The transformation from MC prospect to polished business representative was dramatic but carefully calculated. The tailored suit Tiffany had chosen was expensive but subtly so, designed to suggest professionalism and competence. Rowan's natural beauty needed little enhancement. Just enough makeup to soften her features without hiding them completely.
"You clean up nice," Tiffany said as she made final adjustments to Rowan's hair. They were in a hotel room near the Devils' compound, preparing for her entrance. "Almost didn't recognize you without motor oil under your nails."
"That's the idea." Rowan checked her concealed knife one last time—a thin ceramic blade hidden in a specially designed belt. "Any last-minute intel?"
"Cole runs a tight ship," Tiffany said. "He's smart, observant. Doesn't miss much. And he's been asking questions about your mother. About Elena's research specifically. Just be careful what information you share."
"No chance of her sharing anything critical," Reed's voice came through Rowan's earpiece. "We'll extract you at the first sign of trouble."
Rowan touched the delicate necklace at her throat—a sophisticated recording device disguised as jewelry. King had insisted on multiple backup plans, multiple escape routes. No one was taking chances with his daughter's safety now that the truth was known.
The Devils' security was thorough but not insurmountable. Rowan's cover as a potential business partner came with proper documentation, credentials that would check out thanks to Barbara's meticulous preparation. She made it through the initial checkpoints without raising suspicion.
The gathering was in full swing by the time she entered the main building. Multiple chapters' worth of Devils filled the converted warehouse space, along with their various associates and business connections. Rowan cataloged faces as she moved through the crowd, noting which members seemed to hold positions of authority.
