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I have the people I use regularly in London for hacking, but I need someone local. Someone who knows the way networks are set up over here. And someone who couldn’t be traced back to London and, in turn, me.
As I step out of her flat, I’m careful to check the corridor is empty. The last thing I need is anyone following me.
James Wick knows my true identity, and that’s dangerous. He could rat me out to Gio or Cathal, but I sense that showing his hand may reveal some of his own secrets too, secrets he doesn’t want unveiled. Otherwise, I’m sure he would have outed me by now.
My phone rings and it’s an unknown number.
“Hello?”
“Isiah, it’s Cathal.”
My heart plummets as I wonder whether I was wrong. Has James told him the truth?
“How did you get my number?”
He chuckles. “Don’t worry, Gio gave it to me.”
I relax a little at the lightness in his tone. “I see. How can I help?”
“I’m thinking about proposing to Nina Benedetto.”
It’s not a surprise, but I think it’s a bad idea. She’s not mentally stable. “And?”
“Can you meet me for a drink this evening to mull over it? As you are the only one, other than James, who has spent a lot of time with her.”
I swallow hard, unsure about meeting my former best friend for a drink. Anytime I’m around him, I’m on edge, waiting for him to suddenly recognize me. “Sure, just text me a place and time.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” He ends the call.
I’ve got to make sure that Cathal never learns the truth, as it could scupper my plans entirely. So tonight, I’ll be careful. The last thing I need is my former friend ruining everything I’ve worked for.
* * *
Feeling on edge,I step into the dimly lit bar of the Waldorf. Cathal is sitting at the end, nursing a glass of clear liquid.
I’ve got to admit, it took me by surprise when he called earlier.
He requested this meeting to discuss the possibility of him proposing to Nina Benedetto. Since I’m so close to the family, he wants my insight, which is ironic.
And if I’m honest, I’m going to tell him not to do it.
Nina Benedetto is more complicated than it’s worth. And I’ve seen them together. It’s clear he’s more eager for the match than she is, and that can never go well. I instantly register the irony as Bella couldn’t be less interested in marrying me, but I’m not considering her as a wife for any other reason than to exact my revenge.
“Thanks for meeting me.” He stands and claps me on the shoulder.
I reply with a barely perceptible nod.
His gaze lingers on me a little too long, making me wonder if he’s about to have an epiphany and remember me as I slide onto the bar stool next to him.
“What will you have?” Cathal asks, as he motions for the bartender’s attention.
“Whiskey, neat.”
Cathal orders the whiskey and we wait in palpable silence.
After she delivers my drink, his expression hardens as his eyes settle directly upon mine.
“So...what do you think?” he asks, narrowing his gaze slightly.
