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He eyes me warily. “What kind of deal?”

“You tell me everything you know about the AMA and the scepter, and I’ll make sure Madame never finds out about your extracurricular activities.”

Jace hesitates, weighing his options. Finally, he nods. “Okay. But not here. Back room, ten minutes.”

I down the rest of my whiskey and give him a smoldering look. “Don’t keep me waiting.”

As I saunter towards the back of the club, I allow myself a small, triumphant smile. Hook, line, and sinker. Nico’s lead is about to pay off — and I didn't even have to break a sweat.

* * *

“Well?” Luther stands, looks me up and down, frowns a little, then carries on as if what I’m wearing has absolutely no effect on him. Probably, it doesn’t; he’s too besotted with Nova to think of any other woman like that.

“It was all a lie.” I sit down, and Nico kneels in front of me, unfastening my boots. “I found your guy. He says the AMA took credit for buying the scepter because they want the Bureau distracted while they plan their next big rally in DC. But it’s all a bluff. They have no idea where it is or who has it.”

Luther breathes out heavily and steeples his fingers in front of his lips. “You think he was telling the truth?”

“He was very forthcoming. He’s got no loyalty to the AMA. That’s why he was ready to be turned into an agent. He was adamant, and I believe him. Plus, it tracks with your experience with the hostage Paul. He wan’t being brave, he just didn’t know where it was.”

“Which means we’re back to square one.” Luther looks at Nico. “We have no clue where it is and no leads.”

“Shit.” Nico bunches his fist, then stares at the fire and watches as it turns white hot and stretches up toward the ceiling as Luther rages.

“Hell damn it,” Luther spits.

“When we tell Annalise…” Nico trails off and swallows hard.

“Perhaps she’ll thank you for finding out they were sending you on a wild goose chase?” I offer.

“Perhaps.” Luther is staring into the flames. “Either way, we need to tell Nova first.” He swallows hard. “And I need to tell her what I did.”

I glance at Nico. He takes my hand and helps me up. “We’ll give you a moment to do that,” I tell him.

Luther nods absentmindedly. If he knows I intend to go outside and make Nico get down on his knees, and between my thighs, he doesn’t show it.

I squeeze Nico’s hand.

He lowers his eyes to the floor, then follows me like the good boy he is.

15

NOVA

Eyes dark and laced with fear, Kole lifts Mack back into the bed. Mack’s eyes flutter and he groans. Kole supports his head and helps him take a sip of water. Mack takes it, then closes his eyes and rests his head on the pillow. Asleep instantly.

“I’ll go fetch Miranda.” Kim rushes from the room, while I check on Snow. He nuzzles into me and blinks slowly. His eyes are tired. His muscles are tired.

We need that hell-damned elixir. What is Miranda playing at? I snap at Kole in my head.

It’s okay, Little Star. Everything will be okay. He looks over at me but sits down on Kim’s bed, opposite Mack.

Do you know that? I meet his gaze, and hold it.

When he doesn’t reply, I have my answer. He has no proof. No vision. No prophecy. Nothing tangible. He is giving me a platitude. A meaningless platitude.

I need air. My chest is tight, my stomach clenching and unclenching. I can’t be here. I need to breathe.

I run down the corridor and up onto the roof. It is pitch dark now, the city sprawled out in front of me, blinking quietly. I brace my hands on the sill of the low wall, and try to count to ten. Then twenty. Then thirty.