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The guard did as he was told, briefly glancing at me, but I stayed quiet. I had no intention of speaking to anyone except Keane while in this uniform, even without Cael’s orders. I didn’t trust my voice to come out right, especially if I was nervous.
And I was very nervous.
The grim reality of my imminent betrayal of Keane gnawed at me. The way I’d left them on the boat without warning them of the ambush had already been festering like a sliver in my heart. Keane didn’t know I’d been warned by Dominic, so that was a small bit of comfort. At least I didn’t have to face his disappointment—not yet, anyway, but it was certain to come if things went as planned.
We entered the dismal cell that had a single barred window.
In the cool dusty light, a long-haired man sat on the floor, his ankles and wrists in shackles. He looked up as the door swung open on screeching hinges. One eye was bruised and swollen. He showed no signs of recognition when he saw me, but when he looked at Cael, his entire face hardened.
“Leave us,” Cael said to the guard.
He bowed and left the cell, securing the door.
“We have a proposal to make,” said Cael with intense loathing on his face. “Your friends on the boat have one of our Enforcers in their possession—your son, I believe?”
“What of it?” asked Keane, his voice so low and defeated that I hardly recognized the sound.
“We want a hostage exchange.” Cael got straight to the point. “You for him.”
Keane sat up straighter. “You’d let me go?”
“You don’t deserve it, but it may be the best use we have of you,” said Cael.
“What about my friends?” asked Keane.
“They’re staying here,” said Cael, “and that’s non-negotiable. You should be grateful I’m even considering this after all you’ve done.” His voice grew colder. “And after the Enforcers you murdered.”
Keane didn’t try to deny it. “Then whyareyou considering it? And why are you running it by me as if lookin’ for my consent? You don’t give a damn what I want.” He looked at us both, his good eye narrowing.
“True,” said Cael, “but we need you to speak to your men.”
Keane smiled knowingly. “Ah, of course. Now I understand. You have no intention of freeing me at all with this ‘plan’ of yours, do you?”
Cael turned to me. “It’s her plan, actually.”
I stared back at Keane. I didn’t know if I was supposed to speak, but I didn’t want to be the one convincing Keane to believe us.
“Her?” Keane studied me with confusion on his face.
I didn’t want to lie to him, and I didn’t want to betray him again, but I wanted my freedom—and Graham on the throne. And besides, I reminded myself, Keanewasa dangerous man. Even if he’d originally been banished for a crime he hadn’t committed, he’d since committed many others. If he found the arsenal, as he wanted, the city would be up in flames.
But he saved my life, a guilty thought intruded.
Keane’s face lit up in recognition. “Blondie, is thatyou? I was wondering where you’d got to! I never thought I’d find you in cahoots with the devil.”
Cael nudged me, and not gently. “Go on, then. Speak.”
“He’s right. Itismy plan,” I said, preparing my tongue for the lies I had to tell. “We want to retrieve your son, and we’re willing to let you and the men on the boat go free if they return him. You can even keep the boat after they’ve returned all the weapons.”
“The weapons?” he said. “So, this isn’t just about saving Dominic.”
“No,” I admitted, “though wedowant his safety. And I think you do too.”
His lips pressed together. “I’m not sure how I feel about him yet, but I saw the way you protected him, so I suppose I believe you.”
I nodded. “It’s time to talk to Vaughn then.”
“And tell him what, exactly?” asked Keane.
