Nonna’s lips press tight.
“Consul knows who you are,” I say. “If she thinks you know who she’s working for, she’ll kill you. I don’t doubt that.”
Some of Nonna’s disapproval ebbs away. “I understand.”
I begin to turn away, but then I hesitate. “Actually, there’s one more thing.”
Nonna blinks. “What?”
“Is your vacuum charged?” I ask.
IDENTITY SECURITY DIVISION
WRAITH CASE STUDY: AUGUSTA PINE
File Name: AVENGE ME, PREFECT
THE CREW OF RADIO-NATION
Goldie Glocks Hannah Vale
Corey AKA Mr. Muscle
Carla, Our Lady of the Jammers—Locked in a storage closet on the third floor.
What’s in the Golf Bag, Anasova?On the roof.
“Genius” Bud—Neutralized. Locked in security office.
Number Six Is Consul. She’s the mole. If she survives this and I don’t, please make sure she gets fired. Or prosecuted. Preferably both.
NOTE
I know where Project Persephone is.
I’m going to get her.
25
The second time I use the dumbwaiter, I’m not alone.
I have a heavy tote bag over my shoulder and a roll of duct tape around one wrist.
Eames stands by the entrance, the Pierre Subleyras print laid out on the floor behind him. He gapes at the dumbwaiter. “You escaped the basement inthat?”
“Yup.”
“You’re even more reckless than I thought.” The corners of his mouth make a valiant effort to smile. “Augusta…”
“I know, I know.” I hold up a hand to silence him. “Get the girl, get out. Don’t fail.”
He catches my left hand. “Thank you,” he says simply. His callused fingers are warm against mine.
It catches me off guard. To be honest, I’m not really used to hearing words of gratitude. Mostly it’s “Who are you,” “Why are you breaking into my office,” and “Is that my lunch you’re stealing?”
I nod. “You’d do the same for me. I hope.”
One of his brows twitches upward. “You have a sister?”
