Page 86 of What Remains

“Bodhi was used. Just like Zoey probably was.” Easton’s been quiet, likely waiting for the right time to join in on the conversation. Sounds like this is it. “Cogs in a machine.”

Dad stands and Natasha leans against him. She probably realizes he’s walking the blame plank for a decision he made over a decade ago.

“You made the right call back then,” I say. “If everyone stops doing the right thing out of fear of consequences, then we’re all screwed.”

Dad grimaces. “He wanted to do that to you because of what I did to his best friend.”

“No,” I rush out, springing to my feet. “He wanted to do that because he’s a piece of shit and a horrible human being.” I poke Dad’s chest, waiting for him to get off that damn ledge of guilt.

“She’s right, and you know it.” Easton flanks Dad’s other side, and I give him an appreciative nod for being there for my dad again.

After a quiet minute passes, I raise another point. “Now that we know the motives for these guys, and that they truly were expendable, I think it’s safe to say we’re never going to find Jezebel—or anyone with a close tie to her—making direct contact in front of any cameras. Jezebel wouldn’t risk it. Any leads we have will wind up as dead ends.”

“Maybe that’s by design?” Natasha proposes, her tone thoughtful.

Dad turns toward her. “What do you mean?”

“They have us looking everywhere that they’re not. Wasting time,” I explain before she can. “The hotel guest list. Zoey’s missing source. These mercenaries.”

“Then where the hell are we supposed to look?” Dad grumbles, hands going to his hips.

I drop down onto my seat. “That’s exactly what we need to figure out. They’ve masterminded everything so carefully. From setting up that trafficking ring on the island to the intel package from Molly to Zoey and positioning the Aussies in place. Even going so far as to keep Beckett busy with a murder investigation so Elaina wouldn’t get wind of what’s going on and stop taking her medicine.”

Easton tears a hand through his dark hair, and a loose strand falls across his forehead. I’m dying to sweep that stray lock away with my fingers, but now’s not the time or place.

“And then there’s me. I was holed up here busying myself with work with no desire to go anywhere. But then⁠—”

“I suggested the trip.” Natasha grimaces.

Do I need to remind her we already went down that rabbit hole the other day, and none of this is her fault, either?

“Someone knew I was miserable, and since they have personal knowledge of us somehow, they figured someone would try and pull me away to cheer me up.” It sounds so far-fetched when I say it out loud, but that’s my only working theory. For now.

Easton heads for the balcony doors, bracing his palms against the glass, his back to us.

“But how would they know we were even going on vacation? That’s what we still need to figure out. Well, among other things,” I grumble. “We used aliases, like always, when checking in.”

“Someone had to have betrayed us from inside this hotel,” Easton says in a tight voice. “Not a guest. Which means it has to be someone on the staff.”

“I looked into everyone, but I must’ve missed something.” I toy with my Big Ben charm for a distraction. “Who knows how many other traps these people still have set in motion.”

“What if the op Sebastian pulled Nash in on was another distraction, too?” Easton slowly faces the room, and I abandon my charm as his gaze locks with mine. “A way to further split everyone up while you were in Dubai.” Before anyone can respond, he removes his mobile from his pocket. “Speaking of Nash, he just texted. He’s back.” He tips his head toward the door. “I should talk to him. Find out more about that op he went on.”

“I should also go bring Carter up to speed,” Dad says, then peers at Natasha. “Stay with her so she’s not alone, okay?”

“Stop being dramatic.” I teasingly roll my eyes. “I’ll be fine.”

“Even if someone in this hotel is a traitor?” Dad bites back, whirling around to face me.

“This hall’s safe. It’s just our people up here.” I press my hands together. “Stop worrying about me. I’m not five. I’ll be okay alone. And truthfully, I could use a little time to myself to decompress. This has been a heavy few minutes.”

Dad lifts his brows. “You’re sure?”

I glance at my rig. “I’m not alone alone. I have Tom and Jerry.” I do my best to smile. “And remember, you’ll be just down the hall.” Actually . . . “In fact, I’m kicking you both out of my suite. Emory, too.”

“Excuse me?” Dad folds his tattooed arms across his chest, glaring at me.

I blink my way over to Easton, who’s still hovering just inside the doorway. I honestly have no clue how the conversation with Nash will go considering Easton’s officially moving back in. Will Nash feel like he’s no longer needed? I’m sure Carter wouldn’t mind having another badass pilot on staff, and Nash is still mourning the loss of his marriage, so I doubt he’s ready to go home.