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She smiled in return, but Aaron’s phone rang and ruined the moment. Aaron answered it. “Evie?”
Rafe was too far away to make out the other side of the conversation, but after a minute, Nikki blurted out, “No.”
“What?”
She met his gaze. “The DDA has no record of the prisoners ever being delivered, let alone a record of taking possession of them from Stonefire. It’s as if they disappeared.”
Rafe cursed. “I bet my life Christie had a hand in it.”
“But Rafe, we need proof,” Nikki pointed out.
“Then we’re going to get it. Tobias White is the key to taking down Jonathan Christie.” Rafe looked to Nikki, Aaron, and back again. “I have a plan.”
~~~
Half an hour later, Nikki stood next to Rafe and waited for Bram to answer. Finally, Stonefire’s leader sighed. “I don’t like it. I can’t do anything to help whilst Rafe is in London.”
Rafe nodded toward his sister. “Jane will be with me, and I have a network I can rely on. It’s easier for us to walk around in disguise in London than any dragon-shifter.”
Nikki spoke up. “I’m shorter than most dragon-shifters, though. I could blend in.”
Rafe touched her cheek. “We talked about this. Clan Skyhunter considers London part of their territory. Between the hunters and knights, Stonefire can’t afford another enemy. Let Jane and I use our human status for something.” He winked. “It can help make up for our substandard hearing and eyesight.”
Nikki’s anger eased a fraction at his attempt at humor. “One of the few pluses to being human, I suppose.”
Evie’s voice interrupted Rafe’s response. “Just be aware that if you are caught, I’m not sure how much I can do. Christie has already lined up a shuffle in the staff. The few people I trust are being assigned to less important and influential positions within the DDA.”
Rafe looked to Evie. “I’m going to try my best not to get caught. Although if it does happen, the list of names you provided will be extremely helpful. I now know who to trust.”
Jane jumped in. “Besides, I still know quite a few influential people within the BBC and The Times. You’d be amazed at what knowing off the record can help you in a tight situation.”
Kai grunted. “Just remember to stick to Rafe’s plan.” Jane opened her mouth, but Kai beat her to it. “You’re clever and brilliant, but Rafe knows how to run an operation. Follow his orders so you come back to me.”
Jane sighed. “You worry too much, Kai. But I promise to try my best. However, if Rafe tells me to jump off Tower Bridge, I’m not going to listen.”
Kai shook his head, but it was Bram who responded. “I appreciate humor and teasing to calm your nerves, but we need to act fast before there’s another attack. I have a feeling there will be one or more coming.” He looked to each person in turn in the room. “You have an hour until it’s dark and need to leave. Spend time with your mates, say your good-byes, and then report to the hidden back entrance. Everything you need will be waiting for you.”
As Nikki and Rafe nodded and turned to leave, Bram added, “You do this, Hartley, and I will fight with everything I have to keep you on Stonefire.”
Nikki drew in a breath. “Even if the law doesn’t change?”
“Even then,” Bram answered. “I’ve become quite addled by love myself, and I want all of my clan members to have the same chance, regardless if they’re male or female.”
Nikki didn’t have the heart to tell Bram that Rafe didn’t love her yet. Instead, she whispered, “Thank you.”
Bram waved them out. “Go. The clock is ticking, and you don’t want to waste your precious time with me.”
Rafe murmured, “Thank you, Bram,” before guiding Nikki out of the room.
As they walked out of Bram and Evie’s cottage, Nikki’s heart beat double-time. Rafe was an accomplished soldier. Compared to some of his past assignments, the one in London was relatively simple.
And yet...
Her dragon spoke up. You should tell him how we feel.
I don’t want to scare him off.
Her beast sighed. He’s devoted to us. He won’t leave.
