Page 41 of Dead Devil's Playground
"Ready?" I ask Oliver, watching his face carefully for any signs of doubt or fear.
He nods once, determined. "Ready."
The SUV rolls to a stop, and I take a deep breath, sliding into the character I'll need to play—just another silly girl who's about to be in way over her head. Unless, of course, they're the ones who are already drowning.
The docks spread before us like a metal labyrinth, shipping containers stacked three high creating corridors of steel and shadow. Hudson kills the engine, and for a moment, we sit in silence, listening to the distant sound of waves lapping against the pier and the occasional metallic groan of settling containers.
Rev and Kai have already dismounted from their bikes, moving with predatory grace as they secure the perimeter. Through the windshield, I watch them signal to each other—all clear so far.
"If they make a move the activity would be centered around the northeast section," Hudson reminds us, his voice low. "That's where our containers are."
I nod, my mind already mapping out approach routes and escape paths. "Oliver stays with you," I decide. "I'll go in alone."
Hudson's head whips around, his eyes narrowing. "Like hell you will."
"This isn't up for debate," I say, my voice hardening. "I can get closer playing the lost party girl if I'm alone. A group draws attention."
"Then I'll go with you," Oliver offers quickly. "We could pretend to be a couple who got lost looking for a rave or something."
I consider his suggestion. It's not terrible—two people might actually sell the story better than one. And if things go south, having someone to watch my back could be useful.
"Fine," I concede, ignoring Hudson's deepening scowl. "Oliver and I will approach from the east. You, Rev, and Kai coordinate with Camden to cover the other access points. If we spot anything, we signal and wait for backup. No heroics."
The last part is directed at Oliver, who nods solemnly. I know the twins will ignore that directive if they think I'm in danger, but it's worth saying anyway.
"I don't like this," Hudson mutters, but he doesn't object further.
"You don't have to like it," I remind him, the words leaving my mouth with a sharpness I know I'll regret later when we're alone. "You just have to do your job."
His eyes meet mine in the mirror one last time, something unspoken passing between us—a warning, a promise, the certainty that we'll revisit this conversation when the night is over. Then he's opening his door, the cool night air rushingin to replace the SUV's climate-controlled atmosphere as he disappears into the darkness.
Chapter 17
Ry
"Let'smove,"Isayto Oliver, gathering my small purse, already calculating what Hudson's retribution might cost me. "And remember—you're just a clueless kid looking for a good time, got it?"
He nods, a slow smile spreading across his face that transforms him completely. Suddenly he looks younger, more carefree—the sharp intelligence in his eyes replaced with wide-eyed excitement. It's an impressive transformation, and I make a mental note of his acting skills.
We exit the SUV, and I immediately adopt my own disguise—shoulders slightly slumped, steps less precise, giggling slightly.
"Are you sure this is the right way?" I ask loudly, making my voice carry just enough to be heard by anyone nearby. "I thought Jax said the party was by the water."
Oliver plays along beautifully, his arm sliding around my waist as he guides me deeper into the maze of containers. "Trust me, babe. I know where I'm going."
"We need to head east," I mumble under my breath, directing him with subtle pressure against his side.
The tiny earpiece nestled in my ear crackles to life, Hudson's voice low and controlled. "Keep a leash on the puppy, Ry. Don't do anything stupid. I'm going to make you regret this later."
I suppress a smile, maintaining my vapid party girl expression while replying through the nearly invisible mic concealed in my necklace. "Looking forward to it, old man."
Oliver glances at me, confusion flickering across his face at words that seem directed at him but don't make sense in context. I wink, playing it off as flirtation while listening to Rev's voice now in my ear.
"What exactly is she going to regret, Hudson?" Rev sounds amused, the smirk evident in his tone even through the static.
"Ask her yourself," Hudson growls.
I let out a high-pitched giggle that would make a sorority girl proud while muttering through gritted teeth, "If you three don't stop this pissing contest, I'll personally ensure none of you can piss standing up ever again. Any movement that isn't my patience leaving my body?"
