Page 36 of King's Reckoning
"Target acquired," she murmured, spotting the Devils' president near a quieter area of the venue. "Moving to make contact."
"Remember," Reed's voice was steady in her ear, "you just need to get close enough to plant the listening device. Barbara's software will do the rest."
Rowan made her approach indirect, circulating through the gathering until she naturally drifted toward Cole's position. When she finally moved within his orbit, she maintained a professional demeanor—confident but not aggressive.
He noticed her immediately.
"I don't believe we've met," Cole said smoothly, his attention shifting fully to her. Up close, he had an intensity she hadn't expected. Intelligent, watchful eyes that missed nothing. "I make it a point to know everyone in my territory."
"Just visiting," Rowan replied, offering the cover story they'd prepared. "I represent interests that might align with yours."
"Do you now?" His smile didn't reach his eyes. "And what exactly might these interests be?"
"Historical preservation," Rowan said carefully. "I understand you've been acquiring artifacts relevant to the region's original settlements."
Cole's expression shifted subtly. "You seem well-informed for a visitor. What did you say your name was?"
"I didn't," Rowan replied, letting her free hand rest casually near where she needed to plant the device. "But my credentials are legitimate, I assure you."
"Indeed." Cole stepped closer, using his bulk to crowd her subtly against a quiet corner. The move might have intimidated someone else, but Rowan had been trained for moments like this. She held her ground, meeting his gaze steadily.
"You seem...familiar somehow," he said thoughtfully. "Something about your eyes..."
Rowan's pulse quickened, but she kept her expression neutral. "I get that a lot," she said lightly. "Just one of those faces, I suppose."
Cole's hand came up to touch her arm, the gesture seemingly casual but actually controlling. "You know," he said quietly, "you remind me of someone I knew a long time ago. A woman named Elena Matthews."
The name sent a chill through Rowan, but she maintained her composure. "The name doesn't ring a bell."
"No? That's odd, because you have her eyes. Her bone structure." His grip tightened slightly. "Her daughter would be about your age now."
Before she could respond, commotion erupted near the entrance. Rowan used the distraction to step away from Cole, heart racing with adrenaline. She'd managed to plant the device, but her cover was compromised.
"Blackwood just arrived," Reed reported in her ear. "His men are heavily armed. They're moving in."
"Time to go," Rowan said quietly. But as she turned to make her exit, Cole's hand closed around her arm.
"Wait," he said, voice urgent. "I know who you are. What your mother was protecting. We need to talk about—"
The first explosions cut him off, rocking the building's foundation. Private security teams breached multiple entry points simultaneously, filling the air with smoke and chaos. Rowan used the confusion to break Cole's grip, years of training taking over as she moved toward her primary escape route.
"Rowan!" Cole's voice carried over the chaos. "Your mother wasn't the only one protecting these discoveries! There are things you need to know!"
But Rowan was already moving, letting the crowd's panic cover her retreat. Behind her, she heard Cole barking orders, organizing his men to repel the attack. Whatever he knew about Elena, about the historical artifacts, would have to wait.
"Cover intact," she reported, reaching the exit point where Reed waited with a motorcycle. "But Cole knew who I was. Knew about Mom somehow."
"Details later," Reed said, gunning the engine as more explosions rocked the compound. "Right now we need to—"
Movement caught Rowan's eye. A familiar figure ducking into a side building. Even throughthe smoke and chaos, she'd recognize that silver hair anywhere.
"Blackwood," she said. "He's here personally. This isn't just an attack. They're after something specific."
Reed followed her gaze, cursing softly. "We need to go. Now."
But Rowan was already moving toward the building, drawn by instinct she didn't fully understand. Something important was inside, something Blackwood wanted badly enough to risk a direct confrontation.
"Rowan!" Reed's voice held real concern now. "Don't—"
