Page 42 of Black Reign

“She isn't there.”

“Excellent. Give it back.”

Instead, he starts typing.

“Do not send anything.”

Too late.

GHOST: Hey Sweets, important question.

I stare at him.

“You're dead.”

“Worth it.”

The status changes.

VESPER — ONLINE

Everyone reacts.

Haverhill whispers, “She's here.”

“I can see that.”

Three dots appear.

Then:

VESPER: You're drunk…?

The message appears in Italian, as ours always do.

Drew can't read it.

I can.

He looks at me.

“Well?”

“She asked if I'm drunk.”

Drew's mouth opens.

“She knows you.”

Leo laughs.

Vale takes a drink.

Kane grins.

I reach for the device. “I never use endearments.”

Drew holds it against his chest.