Page 87 of Bit's Bliss

“Yes, and I anticipate that, any minute now, he’ll demand you liquidate the trust and have the money in it wired to an offshore account.”

“That will not be instantaneous, given the amount of assets that will have to be converted.”

My father nodded, and for the first time, I saw a familiar glimmer in his eyes. That was what he was counting on, as was I.

26

BIT

It made sense that the place where Devaney took Eberly and Michael was a defunct winery that had been part of the consortium and that was subsequently dismantled.

Based on the overheads, as Decker called them, they were taken into wine caves similar to the ones at Los Cab, but far smaller.

Wine caves.As soon as he’d said the words, I felt Tryst’s eyes on me. Instead of looking at him, I turned my head toward the car window. I was okay, and I’d be okay, and as long as I was sure of it, I didn’t need him to be. Where we were headed was about rescuing Eberly and getting her out of the clutches of a man I hoped would draw his last breath today—if not by someone else’s hand, then by mine. All I knew for certain was that he wouldn’t be taken alive.

“Once we arrive, we’ll use a Doppler device to determine where they’re being held,” Decker, who’d changed into tactical gear before we left, said over hisshoulder. He was seated in the front passenger seat; Snapper was driving. “According to what I can see from the imagery the NRO provided, there is a second way in and out of the caves.” He held a tablet near the center console so Tryst and I could see it. “We’ll enter the property over these hills.” He pointed at the screen. “Then I’ll go in with Steel and his team from the front. Vex, Jagger, and their crews will go in the other way.”

He handed me a comms device. “You are to remain outside the caves until you hear me specifically tell you to enter. Any disregard of my direct order may result in loss of life, and when I say that, I’m talking about Eberly, Michael, and Malcolm. Are we clear?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Do we know for certain this is where Malcolm is being held as well?” Tryst asked.

“We do not. However, confirming it won’t be difficult once we arrive.”

“How much farther?” I asked.

“Fifteen minutes,” Snapper responded.

“How is Devaney connected to Grogan?” I pressed.

“Half brothers,” Deck responded. “One turned out to be what we presume is the heir apparent.”

“The other is a meth-head,” I muttered.

“I haven’t been able to figure out when he was shipped off to America. I do know he was born in Ireland.”

“It doesn’t matter,” I said under my breath.

“No, it doesn’t, Bit. However, your actions the night of the auction are what led me to delve deeper into Devaney’s real identity. I would’ve gotten there eventually; thanks to you, it happened quicker.”

“I should’ve killed him that night. I might’ve if I’d found him.”

“This way will be a lot cleaner, and you won’t endup in prison for murder.”

I raised my head and met his gaze.

“Got it?”

“If you mean let someone else handle it, I can’t make any promises.”

His phone vibrated. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“What happened?”

“While searching for Liam, I stumbled on a possible lead on his father’s and grandfather’s whereabouts. Both were apprehended earlier today. One in Spain, and the other in Dubai.”

“Well done, Decker,” said Tryst.