Page 66 of The Hunter's Empire

"But instincts aren't enough."

I already know where he's going with this. "They're enough for me."

His gaze lifts to mine. "Zora."

"I'm serious." I push away from the bed and begin pacing slowly across the room. "Think about it. Fergus is paranoid. Everything about this family revolves around secrecy, leverage, and control. If he's hiding something valuable, he's not leaving it inside a desk drawer."

Nico remains silent. Listening. Which somehow makes me continue.

"I can't explain it. I know how ridiculous it sounds. But the moment I saw that locker, I knew it mattered."

"And if you're wrong?"

I stop pacing. "Then we're fucked."

His mouth twitches slightly, but he doesn't interrupt.

"We came all the way here for information. If we leave without checking it, we'll spend the rest of this operation wondering what was inside."

Nico slowly nods. "Fair point."

Relief washes through me. Not because he agrees. Because he understands.

"The problem is getting back into that room."

"The celebration." He says immediately.

I nod. "The celebration."

For the first time since entering the room, we begin looking at the situation from a practical standpoint. The upcomingcommemoration is only days away. Important guests will arrive from across Europe. The estate will be overflowing with people.

"The staff will be overwhelmed." I say.

"And security will be focused on the guests. Nobody is going to care about the residential wing while hundreds of people are downstairs celebrating."

"They'll care if they find us inside Fergus's room."

"True." His expression remains thoughtful. "We'll only get one opportunity."

I nod. "And if we miss it?"

"We leave empty-handed."

The answer hangs between us. Neither of us likes it.

For the next several minutes we go over everything we know. The layout of the estate. The movement of the staff. Which family members are likely to be occupied. What rooms might be empty. What areas will attract attention.

The conversation becomes increasingly focused. There is no teasing now. No games. Just two people trying to solve a difficult problem before time runs out.

Eventually the discussion begins slowing. Neither of us has a perfect solution. Only possibilities. And possibilities are dangerous.

"The biggest issue is timing." Nico says quietly. "If Fergus leaves the celebration unexpectedly, we're trapped. If someone notices we're missing, we're trapped. If Roisin sees us again, we're trapped."

I let out a frustrated breath "You're incredibly motivating, you know that?"

"I'm being realistic."

I hate that he's right.