Cally gave her a smile, though it felt strained. “I don’t buy that. I know you’ll have it all sorted out in no time.”
“I also have a day-job,” Eve muttered. She looked up, guilt flashing across her face. “I mean, I’ll request leave, of course. Tell them it’s a personal crisis, or something.”
Cally reached for her hand. “I don’t want you to ruin your life over this—”
“—It’s all right, I can manage—”
“—But I’m scared what’s going to happen to Antoine if we don’t get him out soon.”
Eve squeezed back. “I know it looks like a mess right now, but there is a plan here—somewhere—and I do think Gabe’s thralls can pull it off.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”
“Later, maybe. There could be some security stuff, and you’re good with that, right?”
Cally’s lips twitched. “You still don’t know my actual job, do you?”
“Computers?” Eve grinned.
Cally rolled her eyes. “I help corporates defendagainsthackers. Defense, not offense. I mean, sure, I understand how attacks work, but it’s a different skillset.”
“But you could still run a phishing attack to maybe get access, right?”
“Well yeah, actually, I suppose I could. It would take time.”
“Which we have.”
“I suppose we do.” Cally pushed herself up, pacing across the room, full of nervous energy. “Damn, I hate that we can’t just get him out tomorrow.” She sighed. “All right, I’ll see what I can do with my gray hat on.”
“I don’t need to tell you to be careful, do I? This is all highly illegal. Serious prison time illegal.” Eve had a little line between her eyebrows, her tone reflecting her concern.
“Illegal, yes. Morally? It’s for all good reasons.”
“Hundred percent,” Eve agreed firmly.
“We’ll go in at night, when there’s hopefully no one around, steal their kit and leave it somewhere when we’re done. Worst case scenario, their insurance picks up the bill.”
“No one gets hurt.”
“And we get Antoine back.”
“Right,” Eve said without hesitation. “Let’s break a million laws to return your vampiric true-love to your arms.”
Cally shook her head in bewilderment. “How are our lives suddenly so surreal that you can say that and it’s true?”
Eve’s eyebrows shot up. “You love him?”
“I…” The abrupt subject shift blindsided Cally, but just that afternoon, she’d admitted the truth to herself. “I do, yes.” And it may have been the conversation with Noah that had given her the final push to realizing it.
“That’s wonderful!” Eve smiled. “I’m so happy for you guys.”
Her response seemed so genuine, but Cally couldn’t help feel awkward. “Are you… are you okay with that?”
Eve focused back on her screen. “I’m fine. Really. I’m happy for you.”
“I’m sorry, Eve. I—”
Eve looked up again and her voice was soft. “Sweetheart, really. I might have a little cry when I’m by myself later—it wouldn’t be the first time—but there’s nothing I want more than your happiness.”
