Page 37 of King's Reckoning
"Trust me," she said softly. Then she was running, letting her intuition guide her through smoke and confusion toward whatever Blackwood sought.
The side building had once been some kind of storage facility, its interior now converted into what looked like a research space. Advanced equipment filled the room, monitoring devices that reminded Rowan of Barbara's archaeological tools. But it was what stood in the center that drew her attention.
A table, covered with artifacts similar to the ones they'd found. And on it, another wooden box—larger than the others, its surface carved with intricate designs that matched the patterns from her mother's notes.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Blackwood's voice came from behind her. "Another piece of the historical evidence, hidden right under our noses. The Devils have been protecting it for generations, just like your mother protected hers."
Rowan turned slowly, hand moving to her concealed weapon. But Blackwood wasn't alone. Cole stood beside him, his expression unreadable.
"I told you she'd come," Cole said softly. "Elena's daughter. Just as determined, just as resourceful."
"Indeed." Blackwood studied Rowan with clinical interest. "Just like her mother. The same intelligence, the same dedication to protecting these historical secrets. But with King's determination as well. A remarkable combination."
"What are you talking about?" Rowan demanded. "What do you know about my mother?"
"Only what she allowed us to know," Cole said. "She wasn't the first to discover these artifacts, Rowan. Wasn't the first to try protecting them. The Devils have been guardians just as long as your club. Longer, maybe."
"Which is why this meeting wasn't just about territorial peace," Blackwood added. "You and the Devils have more in common than you realize. You're both protecting pieces of the same puzzle."
Understanding hit Rowan like a physical blow. "You're working together," she breathed. "The Devils, your corporation... You're all connected to this."
"Smart girl." Blackwood smiled a shark’s smile. "Just like your mother. She understood what was at stake. The historical significance of these discoveries. Until she decided to run, to keep you away from all this."
"To protect me," Rowan corrected coldly. "From people like you."
"To protect everyone," Cole said. "These artifacts contain evidence that could destabilize entire industries, challenge established historical narratives. Without proper control..." He gestured to the monitoring equipment. "We've been documenting everything. Building a case that can't be dismissed."
"Which is why we need you," Blackwood added. "Your mother's research, combined with what the Devils have preserved, could complete the picture. Help us present this evidence properly."
Rowan's mind raced, processing implications. The Devils' sophisticated equipment, their targeted grave robberies, Blackwood's personal involvement—it was all connected. All part of some larger plan.
"And if I refuse?"
"Then this evidence disappears forever," Cole said simply. "Starting with what your club has gathered. We know where you're hiding, Rowan. Know about Elena's tunnel network, about the artifacts you've recovered. Work with us, help uscomplete the historical record, and everyone benefits."
Rowan thought quickly, her mother's training taking over. But she also felt something else. Reed's presence moving into position, following her despite her reckless charge into danger.
Always following. Always protecting.
"Here's the thing about historical truth," she said quietly. "It belongs to everyone. Not just those who want to control it. My mother understood that. So do I."
The explosion Reed set caught them all by surprise—a precise charge that created a diversion without threatening lives. Through the smoke and confusion, she caught glimpses of brothers arriving to provide backup.
"Rowan!" Reed's voice carried over the chaos. "Move!"
She grabbed the wooden box, feeling its solid weight as she clutched it to her chest. Cole's angry shout followed her as she ran.
"You don't understand what you're dealing with!" he called after her. "What these artifacts could reveal!"
But Rowan was already gone, letting Reed lead her to safety as more of Blackwood's security forces engaged the Devils. Whatever alliance the Devils and Blackwood had formed, whatever they knew about her mother and the historical discoveries, it would have to wait.
She had what she came for—not just the artifact, but confirmation that this went deeper than anyone had realized. The Devils weren't just rivals anymore. They were part of something bigger.
Something that wanted to control historical truths better left to public knowledge.
"You okay?" Reed asked as they roared away on his bike, the box secured between them.
Rowan thought about Cole's words, about Blackwood's claims regarding her mother's research. About historical truths buried beneath their feet, waiting to be revealed.
