Page 152 of Black Reign

I look toward the dark gardens beyond the terrace.

Vesper wants to play.

Fine.

She just made one mistake.

Not the DNA.

Not the hair.

Not the lipstick.

She proved something far more useful.

She wanted to get close to me.

Close enough to touch what was mine.

And for the first time since London Bridge, I know with absolute certainty that I'm not the only one curious about what happens when Ghost finally catches his ghost.

My watch vibrates before I can put the rose down.

NULL.

Every other thought drops away.

Drew notices immediately.

“She’s messaging you.”

I don’t answer.

“Blackwell.”

“Go bother your wife.”

“She’s dancing.”

“Then dance with her.”

“I’m helping you.”

“You’ve done enough.”

He looks offended. “I’m the reason you have a relationship.”

“I don’t have a relationship.”

Jalen walks past with two glasses of champagne, hears the last sentence, and laughs.

“Keep telling yourself that.”

I ignore both of them and open NULL.

One message waits.

VESPER: Stop interrogating the caterers.