Page 65 of The Devil

JET

Idon’t sleep for more than a few hours. Amal, however, has fallen into a deep slumber. I know it took her a while to fall asleep. What happened would keep anyone awake.

Quietly, I slip out of bed. Grabbing my phone, I head to the bathroom where I get a look at myself. Well, at least most of the bruises will be covered up by clothes and Sev doesn’t need to know about the knife wound. At least the pain has eased to more of a throbbing than my side feeling like it’s on fucking fire.

I wash my face and brush my teeth then force my hair back using some gel. After trimming my five o’clock shadow, I splash on aftershave. I don’t swallow any of the painkillers the soldier brought with the suturing kit. I need to be sharp today.

After dressing in my usual slacks and a black button-down, I walk back into the bedroom. Amal is still out, her breathing quiet and even. I stand over the bed and look at her. Her face is relaxed, eyelids fluttering. I wonder what it is she’s dreaming about.

I tuck her in then walk into the living area of the suite where Malcom is making himself a cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine.

“Your brother just checked in. He’s having a shower then expects you downstairs. Pronto.”

“Did he say that? Pronto?”

“Yup.

“Must be his new fucking word of the week.” I find the strongest pod and pop it into the machine to make myself a cup.

Malcom drinks his coffee. “Saw the news this morning. Robbery gone wrong they’re saying. No bodies apart from the owner of the antique shop.”

“I’m not surprised. I may need you to take Amal back later. Let me talk to Sev this morning and figure out what exactly we’re up against and I’ll let you know.”

“No problem.”

“Where are the others?” I ask of the soldiers.

“Two outside and two getting some shut eye.” He checks his watch. “They’re due here in about twenty minutes.’

“Okay. When they get here, let them know she’s to stay in the suite until I’m back. And no one comes in. I mean no one.”

“Will do. What are we dealing with here, Jet?”

Malcom is part of Cassian’s world. Although I trust him fully. He’s been my right hand for the last couple of years, I’ve never mentioned my link to The Society. I hoped I’d never have to.

“Not sure yet. Depends on what they want.” My phone pings with a message. It’s Cassian.

Cassian: Severin dropped by last night asking what I knew about your WIFE???

Well, I had to tell him sooner or later.

Me: Solved a problem.

Cassian: Sounds like you created a couple more. How is Scotland?

Me: Scottish

Cassian: Why is Severin going to meet you? He seemed off.

Me: That’s just my brother.

Cassian: More than his usual. I haven’t seen him ruffled like this.

I take a moment remembering the last time Sev and I dealt with IVI. It’s more than twelve years ago. Funny how time can pass but you don’t forget a damn thing. Not of the things you want to forget about.

Sev was right around eighteen years old. I was sixteen. The way he found us. Me…

I push a hand into my hair and force the memory away, focusing my attention back on the conversation.