Page 49

Crew

“I should’ve caught this,” Skar says, arms braced on the kitchen island. The shadows of Viserion cast a dark glow over him, making him look every bit like the law of Westos.

I swear to god, if they hurt her- if they hurt Aleks- I will tear them limb from limb.

“I didn’t come here to delve out blame,” I say, wringing my hands through my hair.

Despite Harvey being halfway across the room, I can feel his anxiety. His palm rattles against his thigh, leg shaking.

“I need to find them,” I bite the words out.

Charlotte’s eyes slide to me as she leans against the doorframe.

Normally I’d have a plan by now, but just the thought of someone hurting Olivia or Aleks has my brain going into a frenzy. Until we get the security footage back from Taylor, we’re just sitting ducks.

“We need to know exactly who we’re up against-“

“I think I do,” Harvey interrupts, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Then lay out everything,” I say, leaning down to look him directly in the eye. “Don’t leave out a single detail.”

“I-“ he shakes his head, eyes flickering to Skar. “Three years ago I made a deal. A stupid, reckless deal. I almost lost the house, my business, everything… I was in deep after Elizabeth’s death. Liv never knew how bad it was. She helped- as much as she could- but it wasn’t enough. And I- and I took some money.”

“From. Who??” I bite out.

Harvey winces. “Donatello Rema. Among others.”

Charlotte stills at the information.

Rema.

Where have I heard that name before?

“In exchange for what?” Skar asks, darkly.

“Money, at first. A couple thousand here and there. But…”

Things changed , I deduce.

And Harvey was ignorant enough to think there were no strings attached. Honestly, if I weren’t so hellbent on getting her back, I might kill him.

“What do they want?” Charlotte asks, eyes glazed as she stares through him. I can’t quite make out what’s going through her head. Skar’s eyes search her beforeswinging back to Harvey.

“Answer the question.”

“All they said… was to close the deal with Omenin… and keep an eye on the Benenatis.”

Something in me burns at the confirmation. The way Charlotte’s eyes flutter closed is enough to tell me that what happened in Mournstead wasn’t just a one-off.

All of this- Harvey and Skar’s involvement, possibly even Olivia and Charlotte’s- was planned.

Charlotte’s hands form two fists at her side. “Was there anyone else involved? I need names.”

Harvey closes his eyes, rubbing his temples before giving me a sidelong glance. “Tell him,” I demand as his hands shake.

“Chase Sutherland.”

Skar shoves a hand against my chest, stopping me from punching the ever-living shit out of him. “How is he involved?”

Harvey’s face falls, and he shakes his head again. “I- I never thought…”

“How do we contact him?” Skar asks, and before Harvey can respond, Charlotte strolls forward.

Her voice is low. “If either of them gets hurt, this will be your fault.” He quivers at the look in her eye. She orders, “Give me your phone.”

Even Skar raises a brow at that, clearly confused. She must know something that we don’t.

He hands it over, and she easily unlocks it before storming off. Harvey sobs again, and I shove him back so he’s looking directly at me.

“Is there anything else you want to tell me?” My eyes search his face for any indication that he’s holding back. But all I find is that pathetic blanket of self-pity.

“Please,” he begs. “Please help me find her.”

I look to Skar. We share a silent exchange that tells me everything I need to know.

He’ll handle this. I need to go after Charlotte.

He nods, and when I shove away from Harvey and turn, I make for the door.