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With that, she’s out of the car and disappearing into the barn, leaving me sitting there with an uncomfortable sting of…rejection?
Hurt?
Scoffing at myself, I put the car in gear and drive out. I need to put Scarlett out of my mind right now. My obligation is to Hadria and the Syndicate first and foremost. Everything else is just...noise.
I repeat that silent mantra to myself as I drive back toward the city center. Just a distraction. Just another job. Just another obligation to see through to the brutal end.
Nothing more.
No matter how much that nagging twist in my gut keeps trying to convince me otherwise.
By the time I get back to the Empire Grand, I’ve wrestled my wandering thoughts back into some semblance of order. I’m keeping a sharp eye out for Aurora—I don’t think I could take all that sunshine after the night I’ve had—when my gaze lands on a different, but still familiar figure.
Johnny the Gentleman is in the lobby, sitting on one of the uber-comfy sofas they have there, talking to someone on his phone. He raises his hand in greeting when I see him and finishes up his phone call.
Well, well. His presence is either very good news...or very bad. Only one way to find out which.
Flashing a tight smile, I saunter up. “Hi there.”
“Good evening, Lyssa.” He stands, ever the gentleman, and offers his hand.
I take it, but I keep staring at him. “How you doing?”
He blinks those flinty eyes at me for a beat before returning my thin smile with an infuriatingly unruffled one of his own. “I’m well, thank you.” His voice is as smooth as always. “And yourself?”
I glance around. “I’m a little stumped, actually.” I pause for effect as his brows tick up a fraction. “Mind lending me some insight?”
Johnny considers me silently for a long moment before giving a nod. “What did you need?”
“I want to know the flight path of a certain helicopter,” I say carefully. This is something I’ve been thinking about for a few days, a last-ditch attempt to track down Grandmother before Hadria tries to press more Syndicate help on me. “One that took off from a high-rise downtown during our recent…scuffle.”
“Ah.” Johnny strokes his chin contemplatively. “My networks here are still building, but I believe I could make some inquiries, yes.” He shifts his weight, looking equal parts intrigued and sympathetic. “I take it this relates to…Grandmother?”
I just give him a tight nod, resisting the urge to give out any more details. Hadria has alerted the Bianchis to Grandmother’s existence, but that’s about all. So it’s better to keep my cards close on this one.
Johnny studies me a beat longer, then his expression softens into a smile. “Well, I’ll see what my little ears might have heard. And if I may say, it will be a shame to have the Syndicate leaving the Empire Grand.”
The furrow that’s been taking up permanent residence between my brows recently deepens. “I’m sorry—leave? What do you mean?”
For just a split second, Johnny’s smile slides into regretful. “Perhaps I’ve let something slip prematurely.” He tips his head with an apologetic little gesture. “Best to check in with Hadria for more information. But rest assured I’ll look into this air traffic you’re interested in.”
Johnny gives a polite nod of farewell and strolls off, leaving me staring after his retreating back with confusion.
Something major is happening, that much is clear. I take off quickly for Hadria’s suite.
“Ah, there you are.” Hadria rises from the armchair positioned before the gas fireplace, glass of rich amber liquid in hand. Her glacial eyes sweep over me appraisingly. “I take it you’ve had...an eventful evening?”
I snort. “About the usual.”
“Well, good.” Her tone is all brisk business as usual as she sweeps past me to the table. “You’ll be pleased to hear there’s plenty more excitement on the horizon, too. I’ve decided it’s time for us to get back to home soil.” She pauses, holding my gaze meaningfully. “We’re moving back to Elysium. ASAP.”
For a heartbeat, the words don’t fully register. Then joy lights me up. “Fucking finally.”
Hadria actually smiles. “As of tomorrow morning, we’re out of here.”
“And just when I was making pals with Johnny de Luca.”
“Yes, well…we’re still buddying up with the Bianchi Family, of course. Keep making ties, Lyssa. It’ll help in the end.”
