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“The Pack is aware of the situation,” Gabriel said. “We’ve kept them apprised in the event they need to be ready to respond.”
“Good,” Yuen said.
“When are you leaving?” my father asked.
“Tomorrow,” Gabriel said, and the word settled in my gut like a stone. “But I’m not leaving. Other members of the Pack are, and Connor is leading them. And they’ve expressed some concerns about leaving before Riley’s exonerated.”
“We need direct evidence,” Yuen said.
“So you’ve said.” This time Gabriel’s tone was short.
“What about the European delegates?” Theo asked.
“We have not been able to convince the delegates to reconvene the talks,” my father said. “Since the most recent attacks occurred in France, they believe the French Houses need to be present for any further discussions to be productive. I’m inclined to agree with them. But they haven’t left yet, so there is still a chance.”
Petra’s pocket began to buzz. She pulled out her screen, checked it. “They found the fairies’ SUV—the one we saw Claudia in. It’s parked outside”—she paused to swipe and review—“looks like St. Adelphus Church.”
“She’s in a church?” I wondered. “That seems odd. I mean, fairies aren’t religious, are they?”
“St. Adelphus is abandoned,” Theo said, rising. “I’ve been inside on an architecture tour. There’s legal wrangling about its disposition, so it hasn’t been torn down yet, but it’s not in good shape.”
“Where is it?” Yuen asked.
“Near West Side,” Theo said, “not far from the United Center.”
“The vehicle hasn’t moved since it parked there,” Petra said, gaze on her screen.
“Did they really abandon the vehicle?” I wondered. “Or are they staying there to keep an eye on her?”
“It’s not unusual to keep alive the regent you’ve deposed,” my father said. “Killing her risks turning the rebellion against them.”
“So they’re keeping an eye on her,” Yuen said, “taking care of her, at least minimally. And keeping her out of Ruadan’s way.”
“We go in quietly,” Theo offered. “No CPD, no uniforms. We incapacitate the guards, get her out, get gone.”
“Do it,” Yuen said, nodding at Theo.
“Sending tracking data to you,” Petra said, and Theo’s pocket beeped.
“I could use backup,” Theo said, and looked at me.
“Sure, I’ll go,” I agreed. I’d started this and was ready to finish it. And I didn’t mind getting out of Cadogan sooner rather than later. There was too much magic here.
I looked at my parents, who’d managed to stay silent at my offer. “I can help.”
“It’s not our objection to make,” my mother said, putting a hand over my father’s and squeezing. “You’re an adult, and it’s your decision.” She slid her gaze to Yuen. “Assuming the Ombudsman’s office approves.”
“Go,” Yuen said with a nod. “But try to stay out of trouble. And away from cameras.”
• • •
We got coffee to go, checked weapons, and coordinated reporting. Theo was popping his screen onto the dashboard of his car while I slid my scabbarded katana inside. I looked up, found Connor a dozen feet away, putting his helmet on his bike.
I realized this was probably the last time I’d see him before he left for Alaska. It might be the last time I’d see him at all. And that possibility put a hollow feeling in my chest.
“I’ll be right back,” I told Theo, and walked toward Connor.
“Hey,” I said when I reached him, and kept a safe distance between us. Not that it mattered. Magic still buzzed in the air between us, tense and heated and angry and sad.
