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“The files that were stolen were taken from Councilor Augustus’s computer which leads me to the realization that we’ve been too lax with our cyber security, not to mention physical security. I have already initiated changes so that sort of thing cannot happen again. The email that went out to all members of IVI, well, that I cannot undo but I’ll take care of that privately. Girard hadn’t sent the most damning of files so you and I can both be grateful for that.”
He means my father’s murder. Jericho only glances at me quickly before returning his attention to reading the contract.
“What can we do for you, Councilor? I think we all want to put this behind us,” Jericho says.
“You will not speak of the events that took place the night of Augustus’s execution,” he says again without even a tiny smidge of emotion. “That is what this contract states. Matters such as these are always handled in complete privacy.”
“I have no intention of gossiping about the man’s death, no matter how deserved, with anyone. I’m sure my brother feels the same way,” I say.
“Then you won’t mind signing.”
“Not at all,” Jericho says, setting the contract down on the coffee table and picking up the pen to sign. “It’s fine, Zeke.”
“You sure?”
He nods. I take the pen and sign. I don’t really care how he spins this. “We’re done here?”
“There is one other matter,” Hildebrand says.
“And that is?”
“The girl. Blue, is it?”
I knew this was coming, didn’t I? “What about her?”
“She isn’t Society.” I simply raise my eyebrows. “She’s a ticking bomb.”
“How so?”
“She can go to any paper, any news outlet, post photos on her Instagram for all I know. Maybe make a… what do they call it? A TikTok?”
“What the fuck are you talking about?”
“She can blackmail any of us. Any member of The Society. Hell, she may be holding onto files herself. Wasn’t it she who brought that information to Girard?”
“She’s not holding onto anything. She wants to put this behind her as much as we do.”
“Bring her in here. I’d like to see for myself.”
“That won’t be necessary.” I wonder if I made a mistake bringing her.
“I disagree.”
“I said—” But before I can continue the door opens and Blue is standing there.
“Ah!” Hildebrand says. “There she is.”
I pull her aside, turn my back to the Councilor to shield her from him. “What the fuck are you doing? Go inside.”
“I heard my name.”
“How did you hear your name? Was your ear pressed to the fucking door?”
She shrugs a shoulder. “Whatever this is, we’re doing it together, Zeke.” She slips past me and walks into the room.
“Councilor,” she says and nods an acknowledgement to the clerk in greeting. “You wanted to see me?”
Hildebrand openly looks her over taking longer than appropriate. I set a hand at the back of Blue’s neck, rub with my thumb even though I’m mad as hell that she walked in here.
