Page 52 of Barinov

“From what you guys just saw and what I’ve hit on my end,” Knox sighs. “I hate to even say it, but Lex might be right about him.”

“We don’t know that for sure yet,” Tex says, more to himself than anyone else.

“All I know is someone has booby-trapped every system to kick me out the second I get close to anything Luca-related. Just like it did whenever we searched for answers on Zeke after Chicago.”

The room goes quiet.

“I’m sorry, guys,” Knox says.

Sorry. That fucking word again.

“I’ve got nothing. I’m no closer to finding out where she is.”

“Damn it,” I mutter.

“Cade? Lex?” Savannah rushes into the room, wrapped in a pale-green silk robe. Her eyes are already shining with tears. She throws her arms around Cade and clings to him like she plans on never letting go.

“God, I’m so glad you’re safe.” Her voice breaks as she pulls back to look at him. “I’m so, so sorry honey.”

There it is again.

Clay follows behind her, running a hand through his chestnut hair, streaked with a hint of silver. “We just heard,” he says, looking between Cade and me. “I can’t imagine what you just went through.” He sighs and shakes his head. “I’m sorry, boys.”

I swear to God if one more person says I’m sorry, I’m gonna lose my shit.

“Thanks,” I manage, my voice more bitter than I mean to.

I glance sideways at Cade. He’s still holding onto his mom, but his eyes are gone—exhausted, glazed over, and hollow.

I scrub a hand down my face. “Look, I’m sorry everyone.”

Fuck me, now I’m saying it.

“It’s been a long forty-eight hours and I think Cade and I just need a minute.”

The room falls into a respectful silence. Savannah kisses Cade’s cheek and lets him go. Clay squeezes my shoulder and gives a tight nod.

“He’s right,” Knox says, closing his laptop. “Everyone needs some rest.”

The crowd thins.

I jerk my head toward the stairs. “Go on, babe. I’ll be right up. I need to do one thing real quick.”

“You sure?”

“Yeah. I”ll be right there.”

He gives me a faint, tired smile and turns to head upstairs. One hand dragging along the railing with each exhausted step.

I scan the room and spot Khoza about to slip out.

“Wait up,” I call after him.

He pauses and turns to face me. “Lex.”

I walk over, suddenly feeling like a damn idiot. “Look, uh… I know Nate said that he’s giving your Black Books back once we get Bella back.”

He watches me silently, his arms crossed.