“Yes, this is it. She will make a play. If we do as planned, we will bring this to an end and you’ll get your revenge.
“Don’t worry. It will all work out. Keep this comm with you.
“It’s for us. I promise nothing bad will happen to you guys,” I reply.
Jamie nods at me. “Thanks, Sammy. I don’t know if you understand what this means. Thank you.”
“I understand. That’s why it has to be you guys. This will start the healing.”
He gives me a faint smile and nods. It’s clear he’s still hesitant and I get that, but this is the way. We won’t lose anyone on this path as long as they all do as I say.
“Here, will you give this one to Lovie for me?” I say, holding out another comm.
“Yeah, I got you.”
He takes the comm and turns to leave. I turn to go to my post where the monitors are, not that I will need them. I have done things that will make the grown-ups feel better.
Mom, Dad, Uncle Uri, Auntie Val, Uncle Jamie, and Lovie are the only ones who truly know how my mind works. I will be in my head today, making sure nothing changes. I can’t afford for anything to go wrong.
“My friend, we talk, da?” Uncle Misha appears and says.
“Hey, Uncle Misha. What’s up?”
“I don’t doubt you, Sammy, but I know you well. You cover something. We close now. I can taste.
“Gut tells me you have not told me everything. I want to know now,” he says sternly.
I saw this coming. I’m prepared. Shaking my head at him, I sigh.
“You still don’t see the truth. Your enemy is not your enemy, but a part of you already knows this. Let today play out. Then you will see the whole picture. For now, trust me, Uncle Misha.”
He sighs heavily and stares at me for a long beat. “Da. I will.”
I smile and wave at him before I walk around him to my station. Every detail has been planned to aT. I begin to hum “Money, Power, and Respect” by the Lox.
That is what started this—money, power, and respect. When it’s over, my family and I will have it all. The Alliance will be untouchable.
LaSalle
I stand nextto Tasha with the bridal party, getting ready to walk in the processional. She looks gorgeous in the shimmering silver dress. For a fake wedding, it’s definitely glamorous.
All the bridesmaids are stunning. Not one looks as if she doesn’t belong. As I have that thought, I take a look around.
“Where’s Lovie?” I ask.
“She wasn’t feeling well. She’s sitting this one out. She’ll be underground with the guests when things start,” Sim informs me.
I’m surprised, but I nod as this isn’t the real thing. I doubt that one detail will harm our plans. I look at the altar and smile as Cole stands there looking as nervous as I know he will be for the real deal.
“I can hear you thinking. Relax,” Tasha says at my side.
I turn to look into her eyes. She had been the one worried this morning as we woke. I’m a little taken aback that she’s so calm now.
“We must begin.” Sammy’s voice comes through the comm.
“You heard him. Let’s move,” Onyx calls out.
The music starts and we all make our way down the aisle in turn. Tasha and I are bringing up the rear after Uri and Val. Ronan and Dean are in front of them.
