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I. Need. To. Know. Now.

But before I press dial, an incoming call flashes on the screen, a number I don’t recognize.

“H-Hello?”

“Alexis, are you with Ethan?”

I recognize the gravelly voice—dark, mysterious, a thread of danger in them.

“Elias.” His name comes out in a shout. “I-I think I remember what h-happened.”

“I need you to calm down right now and explain in the clearest and quickest way possible.”

“I have a flash drive.” I grab my hair, pulling it. “I didn’t remember the password until now. And I opened it. There’s all this evidence against Dayton and The Association. I don’t know why he’s involved. Then I bumped my head, and I remembered what happened to Taylor…and Uncle Ian, and I…I—”

“The Association? Fuck!” The sound of glass shattering comes across the line.

“Elias?”

“I need you to listen very carefully. I’m not in the city right now, but Ethan sent me a message saying he’s meeting with Dayton for information. But if what you saw on your flash drive is legitimate and The Association is involved, then Ethan’s in danger. Do you have any idea where he might be? The last location I have of him is at his office. But his phone is off.”

My pulse riots, my lungs feeling like they’ll give up on me at any second. Where would he be? Why does Dayton want to meet him?

Think, Lexy. You know Ethan better than anyone. You know this. Think.

Suddenly, I remember something.

I put Elias on speaker and swipe to the track my phone app.

Polaris. Last seen ten minutes ago.A singular blue dot.

“H-He’s at the pier.” I snap my head up. “I know where he’s at. The Delfina. It’s still docked there.”

“Alexis, I’ll call my guys. Whatever you do, stay put and don’t—”

I hang up.

Ethan’s with Dayton. He might be in danger. Dayton knows me…he cares about me. I might be able to talk some sense into him.

I need to find Ethan. I need to save him. I can’t let him get hurt.

Standing up quickly, I grab my keys and rush out the door.

Chapter 55

Dread coils inside meas I slip onto The Delfina. A hazy fog rolls over the river, the Statue of Liberty distant and spectral in the mist.

Like a ghost watching over us.

Get a grip, Lexy. Ethan needs you.

I called Charles on the way over and, as expected, he went ballistic when he found out I was heading here by myself.

I’m sure he’s on his way with reinforcements, along with whoever Elias is sending.

But I can’t wait.

Deep in my gut, IknowEthan needs me. That only I can get us all out of this mess.