Page 105 of Twist of Fate

“You do this often?” he asked.

“Frequently enough to have learned caution.”

That was answer enough.

Tyson moved closer to the workstation. “What do you intend to tell Hale?”

“As little as possible.”

“You know he’s involved,” Asterius said.

“I know he ordered me to deliver the drive. I know he redirected me to a warehouse where someone had prepared a magical trap. I don’t know whether he arranged the trap, knew what was on the drive, or was following someone else’s instructions.”

Connal’s expression hardened. “You still believe he may be innocent?”

“No.” Luke met his gaze. “I believe I need facts before I decide exactly what he’s guilty of.”

Connal accepted the distinction, although he clearly disliked every possibility it contained.

“And if he summons you?” Tyson asked.

“Then we decide what happens after we know why.”

The clock on the phone changed to eight fifty-nine.

Connal rested one hand against Luke’s back. The contact did not distract him. It reminded Luke precisely what the call was meant to protect.

At nine, Luke entered Hale’s office number and pressed the call button.

The line rang twice.

“Mr. Hale’s office.”

Patrick’s familiar voice carried none of the strain Luke had expected. Either Hale had told him very little, or Patrick was better at concealing concern than Luke had given him credit for.

“It’s Luke.”

“Mr. Bennett.” A brief pause followed. “Mr. Hale is waiting for your call.”

Of course he was.

“One moment.”

The line clicked before Luke could respond. Connal remained close behind him while Tyson and Asterius watched from across the workstation. Koios had returned to the other screens, but Luke doubted he had stopped listening.

“Luke.” Hale’s voice came through, clipped and controlled. “Is the package secure?”

No question about Luke’s injuries. No demand for an explanation of what had happened inside the warehouse.

The drive came first.

“Yes.”

“You’re certain?”

“I wouldn’t be calling otherwise.”

“Good. We’re moving forward. The buyer remains committed, and the exchange will be completed today.”