Page 367 of Black Reign

“They thought I had it.”

Xavier's eyes sharpen.

“Which means someone knew Beaumont created a second key but not where he put it.”

“Someone close enough to know his work.”

“Yes.”

“But not close enough to know him.”

Xavier goes still.

There.

That matters.

Papa told me stars were code.

Papa knew I would understand the clue.

Whoever came after him understood ARGUS.

They didn't understand Adrien Beaumont.

I look down at the ceramic key.

“Your father?”

Xavier doesn't flinch.

“I don't know.”

The answer hurts.

But it's honest.

“What if he knew?”

“Then we'll find out.”

“What if he was involved?”

His gaze holds mine.

Wedding ring against wedding ring as he closes his hand carefully around mine.

“Then nothing changes.”

I stare.

“How can you say that?”

“Because I meant my vows.”

My chest tightens.

“Xavier.”