Page 70 of Betrayed

Maybe the trick is in which one you choose.

We’re back at the bar, and I’m outside, guarded by our military and Lucian.

He said he’ll let me watch close up.

Rory is going to die today. And like father, like son, no one will miss either of them. And knowing they’re both gone? I’ll sleep a little easier. No one will ever come looking for Ryan, and Ryan doesn’t need to know the kind of blood he carries—at least not on his father’s side.

The Hoax doesn’t realize we’re here. If they caught wind of any of us going into that bar, we’d be targeted. So, we’re hidden in the dark shadows among the thick trees.

Gregory is browsing a bookstore down the street. He has no idea that Bayne’s men are following him, keeping him safe. Lucian wanted him close by, but unaware of what was really happening here at the bar.

I’m not sure how much longer Lucian will be able to control what Gregory sees. When I look at his younger brother, I not only see a spitting image of Lucian, but I also see a man who, despite his education and intelligence, is lonely and longing for family.

For his brother.

Bayne holds one hand in the air. It’s the signal. Rory is leaving the bar.

Time to enact the plan. It’s complicated, yet simple.

We wait till the man has to pee, then abduct him.

Apparently, he has a thing about public bathrooms and only pees outside, out back of the bar, at the tree line.

Bayne signals to our right. Rory must be exiting from that door. We prepare to move closer.

Lucian grabs my arm, pulling me back.

“No. Not you.”

I stand in the woods beside him, watching as half move forward, and half remain back with us.

I turn to him. Slowly. “You said I could watch close up.” Some sick part of me wants to smell blood.

“No chance,” he says, teeth locked. “You can watch from here.”

“But I can’t see anything.” I crane my neck, waiting for the door to open, the sliver of light to reveal Rory.

I need to know they are both dead and gone.

“It’s enough that you get to be here,” he hisses.

“You lied,” I hiss back.

He turns to me, flashing a white-tooth smile in the night. “It’s about time. It was my turn to lie, don’t you think?”

“Fine.” He gives me a look, like I’m being childish. I quickly add, “I know you’re only trying to protect me.”

“Good girl.”

“And thanks. For doing this. Add it to the list of IOUs up there with saving me from the Morettis, Caleb and?—”

“Yourself,” he says.

“Funny.” I admit, “but true.” I cross my arms over my chest, a sudden chill going through me.

Something doesn’t feel…right. I’m being silly. I’m attending a murder. Of course, things feel off. But the hairs on my arms stand on end under my coat.

I glance around.