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I take a breath, considering his question. “Hard to tell, he would probably be arrogant enough to think he doesn’t need any. But if he has her as some kind of message to me, he’d likely have enough to make a show of it.”
He nods thoughtfully. “So, what’s your plan?”
I look between Brent and Hayden. Brent is a tense ball of discomfort, he doesn’t like these men in his space, he doesn’t trust anyone to know. Hayden is more open to any help. “My father must die.”
Peter’s brow raises, not necessarily surprised but cautious. “For Eleanor, or for you to take power?”
There is no point in lying. “Yes, to both. His aspirations have reached worrying heights and with him leading The Daos, the city is in jeopardy.”
Peter’s sceptical brow remains arched as though he doesn’t quite believe my good intention.
“Now that he’s involved Elle, his fate has been sealed.” My eyes narrow at the man, hoping that my plea for him to believe that Elle’s safety is my priority is understood.
After a beat, Peter nods. “What do you need?”
“My father’s following is loyal and strong. While he is alive, there are few people I can trust. I need manpower.”
“You have the three of us,” he offers, gesturing toward his two colleagues, who are already kitted out in Kevlar and ammo. “I can’t pull more guys without alerting the Maxwells. Unless you want them to know their daughter is in the hands of one of the world’s most dangerous criminals because of her association with you, this is all you get.”
“Any help is appreciated,” Hayden says.
Another nod in agreement. “When do we move in?”
“Now,” I state strongly, getting up from my seat. “We need to gear up and we’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Actually,” Brent speaks up for the first time. “I think we should make a stop on the way; we have a friend who owes us.”
53
ELLE
“Bitch, you better buy me a drink when we get out of here.” Gray’s words slur slightly as the drugs they’ve given him wear off.
I turn and give him a watery eyed smile, so pleased to see him awake but feeling so guilty that he’s here because of me. “I’m so sorry,” I whimper.
“I don’t remember you knocking me out, babe.” He winces as he adjusts himself in his chair.
I look over to where Sydney and his goon are talking in hushed voices across the room. I’ve started hearing footsteps in the halls and voices outside the room. Neither of our captors seem phased by it so I am guessing they have more men in the building. Sydney takes his phone out of his jacket pocket and stares at the screen with a scowl before turning a confused glare at me and answering it.
“Where the fuck have you been?” he growls to whoever is calling him. Waiting for the other person to speak, he snarls. “Well, you’re on thin fucking ice with me, Jason. But yeah, I do have something you can do. A pick up.” He starts moving around the vast room and I am no longer able to hear his conversation.
“It’s going to be alright, Gray. We’ll be okay.” I try to reassure him, but I think I’m speaking to myself more than my friend.
“Of course we will,” he sounds a lot more confident than I am. “So, the cold one is definitely related to your guy, one of them at least.”
“He’s Lance’s father,” I sigh. I don’t really want to get into this, but I guess if there’s a chance we might die, Gray deserves to know why. “Have you heard of The Daos?”
“I’m a journalist, Elle. Of course I’ve heard of The Daos.”
I snort at that. “You’re an arts and entertainment journalist.”
Despite the situation, Gray manages a mock pout, making me laugh. “Rude. Anyway, how is this relevant?”
“You’d think a journalist of your calibre would know the answer to that already,” I tease before losing my smile and jerking my chin toward the men in the corner. “Our host is their leader.”
Gray’s face pales and his eyes widen in panic, staring at me for several long seconds. “Bitch, we’re in bigger trouble than I thought.”
“So” Sydney claps his hands once as he makes his way back over to us. “Elle, may I call you Elle?” He pulls a chair up to sit opposite me, just a couple inches between our knees.
