Page 70 of Corrupted Empire

We careen around another corner, and this time, a cop car skids into the lane behind us, lights flashing.

“David,” Silvano calls to the front. “Dom’s SUV is about to come barreling through that intersection. Wait until the last second and make a hairpin turn.”

David nods in the rear-view, and we zoom toward the traffic lights. I grit my teeth. I have outrun other crime syndicates plenty of times, but so far I’ve never had to outrun the police. Plus, two car chases in as many days has to be a bad sign. I’m just glad Alexis isn’t here for this one, though undoubtedly she could take it.

A dark feeling in my stomach warns that I am witnessing the beginning of the end of my empire. I refuse to listen to it.

Not yet.

We get into the intersection, and David wrenches on the emergency brake, sending us flying around, just in time to miss Dom’s SUV as it runs the lights. The police car brakes hard but still has to steer into a pole on the sidewalk to avoid slamming into the side of the SUV. David waves at Dom and then takes off back the way we came.

“Dom’s going to lead them away now,” Silvano says, staring over his shoulder as the police car reverses. Dom lingers in the intersection just long enough for the police car to get back into the game, and then he’s off like a shot. Sure enough, they follow him now instead. An easier target, I suppose.

“We’re not out of the woods yet,” I mutter, dialing Alexis’ number. “If I know Ruby, she’s not going to let us get away so easily.”

* * *

I rush through the front door while David races to stash the car in one of the garages, sending gravel shooting everywhere. Alexis is waiting for me, holding a bundle of clothes. She’s still in her pajamas, a pink tank top and some black leggings.

“What’s that?” I ask.

She lifts the bundle demonstratively. “Sweatpants and a T-shirt,” she says matter-of-factly. “We’ve been at home all morning watching cartoons. Harry’s already set up in the living room; you just need to get changed and mess your hair up a little.” After a beat, Alexis waves her hand at me. “Well? Get undressed.”

It feels strange to take my clothes off in the foyer with two guards standing nearby, but I don’t argue because I know that time is of the essence.

“She’s here,” John says, listening to the radio in his ear. “She’s on her way from the guardhouse now.”

I shuck off the rest of my clothes, and Alexis hands them to John while I pull on the sweats. He takes the clothes away, and she rises on her tiptoes and ruffles my hair. Then she grabs my hand and drags me through to the living room, where Clara is sitting with Harry.

“Okay, I’m out of here,” Clara says, hopping to her feet. “If anyone asks, I’m not here.”

Alexis chuckles. “I hardly think they’ll be asking for you. Thanks, Clara.”

Clara leaves, and we slide onto the couch on either side of Harry. He barely seems to notice our arrival, eyes glued to the colorful characters prancing across the screen. The flamboyance of the program mixes uncomfortably with the jagged suspense dancing up my spine, and I struggle to calm my racing heartbeat.

“Sir,” John says, arriving at the doorway. “There’s a Ruby Flint here to see you. She says it’s urgent.”

“What the hell could she want from me on a Saturday morning?” I complain loudly. “Tell her to go away and make an appointment with me during office hours.”

We both know she won’t, but this is all part of the lie. I’m reacting how I would normally react if Ruby showed up unannounced during time with my family.

John disappears and shows up again a second later. “I’m afraid she will not leave without being seen.”

I sigh. “Fine, let her in.”

Ruby stomps down the hall a moment later, her heels echoing on the marble. I tense, and Alexis rubs her hand over my back, just as Ruby appears in the doorway.

“Ms. Flint,” I greet before she has a chance to speak. “This is highly inappropriate.”

Ruby sashays into the room, pointed chin held high. Her auburn hair is pulled back into a simple ponytail, rather than the severe bun she normally sports, but she is wearing her usual full face of makeup. Dark lipstick, heavily lined eyes, too much blush.

“I wouldn’t interrupt your…” She flicks her eyes between Harry, Alexis, and I. “Family timeif it weren’t important.”

“So, what is it?” I ask, voice thick with irritation.

She blinks. “Perhaps we should go somewhere private to speak.”

“Whatever you want to say to me, you can say in front of my family.” I lean back, letting the lie wash over me.

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