“Do you want me to attack TimeGem?” Aura asks.
I love any idea that keeps these women working remotely. “Yes. Make Sylveria need my help, more than she already does.”
“Then what?” Jos asks, folding her arms tight.
“Then I’ll end up in the server room to help her?” I’m not sure about this plan.
Jos hops in her seat, looking adorable in a purple pantsuit. “Then we can plan a robbery?” Hope fills her faded eyes.
“Sure.” I wonder if Justice will help. He’s got the manpower. But considering I just escaped his penthouse, he’s probably pissed. My butt still tingles, and I’m not up for another spanking. I’m pretty sure I’m bruised. “For now, I need to get to my last decent safe house to work. I’ll finish opening the tunnel into their server. You can attack about four this afternoon. I’ll clear the path for you.”
“Excellent.” Aura claps her hands, rhinestones catching the glow of the monitors. “I’ve been waiting to attack forever. I’m glad you’re finally ready.”
Me, too. With Justice on my ass, another player making a move, and Sylveria wanting me in her server room, I’m running on borrowed time. “I am so ready. Does anyone have a phone?”
“Of course. Do you want a burner or my regular one?” Mags asks, tugging open a drawer.
“Burner.”
She rummages past stacks of candy bars, crystalpendants, and a half-burned candle before tossing me a small black phone. “Who are you calling?”
“I’m texting Rosalie.” That will have to do. I so do not want to talk about Justice with her while my godmother listens in.
My thumbs move fast. IT’S TIME TO FILE SUIT AGAINST TIMEGEM.
Rosalie has an entire case prepared—challenge of the will, challenge of the trust, fraud, theft. She’s been waiting for my signal.
“She’ll file it right away,” I murmur.
The phone buzzes back: ARE YOU SURE?
YES. PLEASE FILE.
A flood of emojis rolls in—smiley faces, hearts, clapping hands—then: WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU? HAVE YOU BEEN WITH JUSTICE BEATHACH?
I return the text: I HAVE, AND I NEED TO TALK TO YOU, BUT NOT NOW. FILE THOSE PAPERS.
Three dots show, and then: FINE, BUT MEET TONIGHT. FIVE O’CLOCK. SANDBAG BAR BACKROOM. YOU AND ME.
I picture the routes in my head, dodging as much CCTV as possible, then send: ABSOLUTELY. SEE YOU THERE. I can get inside without being seen. Rosalie knows what she’s doing. I toss the phone back to Mags.
“I’ll destroy this in just a minute,” Mags says easily.
“Thanks.” I move back toward the window. “Would you all keep the dog for a bit?” It’s easier to run without him.
“Of course,” Jos says for the group, her fingers flying over the keys. “I’ll order him food right now. And treats. Plus a few toys.”
Leo flops down on her feet. Yeah, he’s found a kindred spirit.
I don’t blame him. I love this place and these women. The room hums with overlapping signals that include the faint whir of cooling fans, the snap of wrappers as Mags digs for another caramel, and the steady tick of the crystal-faced clock on the wall. String lights flicker above the curtained windows, throwing small halos across the cluttered credenzas. Aura’s perfume bottles and bedazzled teacup sparkle under the glow, while Jos’s workspace stays neat, her topaz locket gleaming as she makes another note in her tidy handwriting.
I gently pull the window screen free.
“Why don’t you go out the main door?” Aura asks.
I shrug. “Dunno. I came in this way. Are you sure the cameras are still out?”
She rears back.
