Page 105 of Undertow

“Maybe wecan’ttrust each other,” I continue. “Maybe we just have to decide if our selfish interests align enough to pursue the same objective. How much doyouwant to be free, Julia? Enough to take a chance on my truth?”

Her lips press together as she looks away. Her expression is unreadable as she wrestles with herself. After a long silence, her gaze lands back on me.

“Fine. Then, give me a reason to trust you,” she says.

“How?”

“Tell me what you have planned, and let me decide between joining you or killing you.”

Our eyes lock as her fingers tighten around mine.

I take a deep breath. “Okay.”

I ignore the pound of my blood.

She’s right. It’s the best way—the only way—and I’m so tired of this life. If it ends tonight, I’ll be okay with it.

“The engagement to Scarlett McArthur is real,” I begin, “but it has nothing to do with love. I was never given a choice and only received the news a few days ago. McArthur wants me under his thumb. He wants the RLC, and I’m his link.”

“And Scarlett?”

“Wants the only thing she couldn’t have.”

Julia’s expression falls, giving me another shred of hope.

“The wedding is scheduled for September second and the top members of the RLC will be in attendance.”

“How do you know?”

“I just do.”

“Shaw…”

“They’ll be there, okay? If you want to make a move, that will be your chance.”

“Chance for what?”

“You tell me. What doyouwant, Julia? Not Mama H, not your family—you. If I deliver the RLC and McArthurs to you, what would you do with them?”

She goes silent again.

Rain from a passing thunderstorm pounds the roof of The Shack. I do everything I can to remain neutral as she scans my face, my body, the blood on the walls and floor.

“I’ll answer your question after you answer one more for me,” she says finally. Her blue eyes lock on mine. “Where is your grandfather? Why doesn’t he know the truth about you?”

“He’s at a luxury retirement community in upstate New York. And…”

“And?”

I swallow hard and wrestle with the secret I’ve held onto for years.

“He’s not my grandfather,” I force out.

“He’s not?”

I shake my head. “He’s a former captain of the RLC who risked everything to try to save me.”

Julia gasps. “He was a member of the RLC?! Does that mean…? Shaw… Areyouwith the RLC?”