Page 18 of Reclaimed

"Actually," I start, watching the way she sucks in a sharp breath as I shift forward and rest my forearms against the laminate tabletop, "Make it a double.”

"O-okay." She exhales shakily, turning on her heel and heading straight for the bar.

Too easy.

The Mercenary Syndicate has a reputation, and I enjoy exploiting the fear that comes with it. Recognition breeds panic. And no matter how hard they try not to stare, they do. Wondering whether they're the reason I’m here.

"Here you go," the waitress says as she sets down the glass and rushes off to another table.

I swirl the amber liquid around before taking a drink. The familiar burn settles low in my chest as my phone lights up with a completion notification from HAKR. Perfect timing. With a tap, my target’s profile reloads, a new folder on the screen.

Jersey Ellis, Asset 311.

Jersey.

Somehow, I hadn’t expected a name.

Seized by The Registry at fourteen, she spent a year and a half at a state-funded boarding school before being marked for Appraisal and sold at auction when she was sixteen to Commander Isaiah Martin.

The Registry's own Treasurer defaulted?

With a quick swipe of my thumb, I open a text and fire off a message to Slade.

Me

Can you tap into the Enforcement Directives?

Slade

I'm offended you even asked.

Smartass.

It’s not that they're hard to access, they’re just classified. And outside of HAKR's parameters.

Me

In?

Slade

Almost. Was finishing off my assignment for Sergei.

And if I'm doing this, it means you're still out. I win.

Me

Asset Defaults for the last 48. Isaiah Martin.

Slade

You could start with, 'Congrats Slade, I shouldn't have doubted your brilliant skills.'

Me

Feel better?

Slade