AllFreeNovel
Share Us
There’s worry in his blue eyes. A little skepticism. Ironic, because I’m telling the truth.
I’m going to join the consortium, and when I have their trust, I’m going to betray them.
Just like they betrayed my father.
I’ve never been completely sure how far I’d go to do it. Where’s the line? What am I willing to become in order to take them down?
I have the answer.
Anything.
Whatever happens in that room, I’ll do it. If Bettencourt asks me to kill someone, I will.
I don’t say that to Jacob, but he sees something in my face. “We’re doing this together.” He squeezes at my jacket, pulling me a little closer. “Whatever happens.”
“If this is about getting back together—”
“It’s not. I know you’re in love with Elise.”
“Jesus, Jacob. I’m not in love with her. I told you that.”
The corner of his mouth turns up, the smile as rushed as his words. “Did you forget? You were in love with me once. I know how it looks on you. But the Gabriel I knew never tried to hide it. You jumped in with both feet.”
“You’re wrong.”
“I’m not wrong, but that’s not the point. The point is that I should have helped you back then. I’ll help you now.”
There’s a slight scuffing sound. A shift of air. Jacob releases my jacket. Our time to talk has run out.
The double doors swing open, revealing Wilson Chambers. Jacob’s father is handsome, the way Jacob will be handsome in thirty years. It’s only the eyes that look different, really. They’re flat. Nervous. Not warm with young love the way Jacob’s used to be.
“Come in.” He doesn’t exactly smile at Jacob, but his face softens, just slightly. He gives me a quick glance before turning away.
We follow him inside.
It’s a large conference room with windows that overlook the street in front of the headquarters. The lights are low. Only soft lights underneath the table illuminate the men seated there. It looks vaguely demonic.
My gut goes cold.
None of the women are here, which confirms my suspicion that not all of the wives knew about the murders.
Eliseisn’t here.
Thank God. That’s the only thing that keeps me firmly in my body. She’s not here. She’s not joining the consortium. She’s safe.
There’s an empty space at the head of the table where no one’s sitting. There’s no chair, either. Only a brighter light facing the wall, as if there’s going to be a presentation.
Or, more likely, an overly dramatic orientation.
Bettencourt sits at the opposite end of the table. He doesn’t rise. No one reaches to shake our hands, like they would in an actual business meeting.
They just watch.
I have the distinct sensation of a key getting stuck in a lock. The metal melting together. It’ll never come apart after this.
Jacob and I take our places at the head of the table, side by side in the spotlight.
Together.I didn’t expect him to say that, but right now, I’m glad he did.
