I swallow hard, gripping the phone tight as I squeak out, “Actually, this is Grace. Seven is… well, he’s in trouble.”
Silence is the only thing that answers. “Hello?”
There’s a heavy sigh, and that impossibly deep voice crackles through the speakers once more. “How did you get Seven’s phone,Grace?”
“He… gave it to me. Right before the police took him away.”
Another sigh. “The police have him?”
“Yes. He told me to call you. Said you’d keep me safe, and help to free him.” I add the last part, hoping Viktor doesn’t see through my lie.
There’s a loud groan, followed by a resigned, “Fuck.Okay. Where can I meet you?”
“Do we… Do we have to meet?”
“We certainly can’t speak over thephone.Fuck only knows who’s listening.”
“Um. I can meet you outside of Beans in fifteen minutes, if that works.”
“It doesn’t.”
Okay…“Where wouldyoulike to meet, then?”
More shuffling, and then, “Stay where you are. I pinged your phone and saw you’re at Eclipse apartments. I can be there in five minutes.”
“I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
“Because?”
“My best friend is here with me. This isherapartment I’m at.”
“So you’ve kept your mouth shut about what’s going on?”
“Well, not exactly.”
He scoffs. “Then there’s no problem. If you’ve told heranything, she’s already involved. I’ll be there in five.”
“But—”
The line goes dead.
I let out a breath, shoving the phone into my pocket. At the moment, Saffron opens the door, looking particularly guilty.
“You heard all of that, didn’t you?”
“Most of it… So, he’s coming here?”
“Apparently. I tried to stop him, but he pinged the address on my phone.” My lips purse in a frown. “He doesn’t like being told ‘no.’”
Saffron just laughs. “Remind you of anyone?”
“I guess…” She sighs, checking the time on her phone. “He’ll be here in five minutes. If you leave now, you should be able to miss him. Or I can try running to the park and hope he finds me there instead?—”
“Grace, I amnotletting you meet this man alone. He’s coming here, and we’ll deal with himtogether.”
She grabs my hand, giving it a tight squeeze. “Besides, if it goes sideways, we have an attack raccoon to protect us.”
Despite everything, a laugh bubbles past my lips as I follow Saffron into the living room. I only hope I’m still able to smile once Viktor shows up.
