Page 30 of Unlocked

"Yes," Archer said quietly. "And if he does, he gains access to the most powerful people in the world. To information that will allow him to manipulate markets. Destabilize governments. Start wars."

He met Ryker's gaze and let him see the full weight of it. "There's no end to what he could do. And he would do it. His ego is monstrous. His hunger for power is endless."

Ryker stared at him, and Archer knew the moment realization settled within the man. Awareness moved across his expression like a shadow. "Holy shit."

"That's why I need you," Archer said. "I need everyone on this. I need to know who's behind the Ponzi scheme. I need to know where the money is." He paused, choosing his words carefully. "I've been making inquiries quietly, in the background, but I have to be cautious. I can't alert anyone."

Ryker focused on him again, his expression sharp. "That's what Tatum did, isn't it? She alerted someone. They realized she was paying attention."

"Yes," Archer said, and the word tasted bitter.

"And now she's in physical danger."

"I tried to make her understand that last night," Archer said. He couldn't quite keep the edge out of his voice. The frustration. The fear he wouldn't name out loud. "I thought it was a possibility. After North's death, I think it's a probability."

"You think the same person who killed North destroyed her apartment?"

"I don't know if it was the same individual," Archer said. "But it was the same entity. Someone with reach. Someone sending a message."

"What do you want me to do?" Ryker asked.

"Keep doing what you're doing," Archer said. "Dig into North's death. Find out if it really was an accident, though that would be one hell of a coincidence, and I don't believe in coincidences."

He continued, his voice hardening. "And make sure Tatum doesn't go anywhere alone. I'm not sure how receptive she'll be to visible security, so keep someone on her whether she sees them or not."

Ryker nodded. "Anything else?"

"Loop Rush and the others in, but keep it tight. We start turning over every rock."

Ryker stood but didn't move toward the door. "One more question. Why can't we take Davis out now? Surely this constitutes extreme circumstances."

"Because if we do," Archer said, "it comes back to me. He's my direct rival. Everyone will assume I killed him to save my own skin."

"And then they'll kill you," Ryker said.

"Yes," Archer replied. "That's how the rules work."

"And the Society ends up leaderless."

"Exactly. They won't use my chosen successor. And until I know who else is involved, because I'm certain Davis isn't acting alone, I won't create a vacuum. It's too dangerous."

He held Ryker's gaze. "Not just for the Society. For the world."

"So we wait," Ryker said.

"We wait," Archer confirmed. "Until I have proof."

"Okay," Ryker said, turning toward the door.

"Ryker."

Ryker paused and looked back.

"Be very careful," Archer cautioned. "Whoever we're dealing with has very big players behind them. We need to handle this delicately."

"Understood," Ryker replied, and then he was gone.

Archer stood at the window for a moment after the door closed, looking out at the river without really seeing it. Then he crossed back to his desk and reached for his phone.