Page 38 of Black Reign

“Why not?”

I stare at the photograph.

Because whatever made her send it wasn't something I wanted to turn into a puzzle.

Because for once, I didn't want information badly enough to force somebody to surrender it.

Because maybe caring about someone includes letting them keep certain things.

“I figured if she wanted me to know, she'd tell me.”

Vale gives me an annoyingly knowing look.

I lock the photograph away.

Drew leans back.

“Okay.”

“What?”

“I withdraw Sergei.”

“Generous.”

“She's definitely hot.”

“You've seen the back of her head.”

“Hot hair.”

Jalen raises his glass.

“To Vesper.”

“No.”

Everyone raises theirs anyway.

Vale says, “To Blackwell finally meeting a woman he can't investigate into submission.”

Leo adds, “To the hundred-to-one bet.”

Kane grins.

“To London Bridge.”

Drew lifts his cigar.

“To Sergei.”

We all look at him.

“What? I miss him already.”

I laugh.

Can't help it.