Page 135 of Lethal Torture

“Sophie’s House.” She shudders beneath her jacket. “What about Sal and Ana? They’ll want to kill me too, when they know it was me who told Kozlov about Avonmouth.”

“They won’t be happy, Eva, it’s true.” She turns to meet my eyes, her expression so defeated and helpless it’s impossible to feel anything other than pity. “But when we tell them what Kozlov threatened you with, they will understand, just like I do. You’ll be safe, for tonight at least. And tomorrow, we’ll talk to Zin together and make a plan.”

She sniffs tremulously. “Are you sure?” The wary hope in her eyes cuts me inside and makes me want to murder animals like Kozlov.

“I’m sure.” I do my best to inject my smile with reassurance. “I’m going to call Sal now and tell her we’re coming. I’ll explain enough to her that you won’t have to answer difficult questions—at least, not tonight. Okay?”

Eva nods, looking marginally more at ease.

I stand up. “Stay here,” I say. “I’ll be back in a moment.”

I walk far enough away to be out of earshot, but close enough that I can still take Eva if she tries to run. I’m well aware the latter is a distinct possibility.

“McTasty,” Sal greets me, to a chorus of hoots in the background.

“Christ,” I say. “Not you, too.”

“Too late, my boy,” Sal says cheerfully. “The virus has spread. Your fate has been decided.”

“Good to know.” I watch Eva. “Much as I’d love to return the favor by informing you of all the names Paddy has created for you, unfortunately, this is a business call. Can you take this somewhere more private?”

“Copy.” Her tone alters immediately. A moment later she says, “Go ahead.”

“I need to put Eva in the emergency suite tonight. And I need you and Ana to make sure she stays there.”

“Eva?” Sal doesn’t attempt to hide her shock. “Oh, fuck. You mean it’s her? The leaks?”

“I need to speak to Zin before I go into any details.” I avoid the question. “And I also need to know that she will be safe. You and Ana have seen enough to understand the impossible pressure she’s been under. There’s still a lot we don’t know, and I don’t want to scare her off because, chances are, we’re going to be relying on her cooperation to get to the bottom of this. Can you give me your word you’ll let her have a good night of rest before she faces Zin tomorrow?”

“Of course,” she answers promptly. “I’ll meet you at the side entrance we use for extreme cases, and Ana and I will run security ourselves. You have my word that she’ll be safe, Luke.”

“Thank you.” I stare at Eva’s bowed head. “I know it isn’t easy, but she’s not in a good way, Sal. The last thing she needs is more intimidation.”

“Understood.” Her tone isn’t without compassion. “Bring her in, Luke. We’ll take care of her.” She takes a deep breath. “I’m not so sure how Zin will take it, though.”

No shit.

I keep my voice even. “Leave Zin to me, Sal. And as I said, keep this tight. You and Ana. Not a word to Zin until I’ve had a chance to fully brief her.”

Unfortunately,briefing Zinaida turns out to be less than straightforward.

A frigid evening has fallen by the time I see Eva settled in the suite and straddle the bike to head back to my apartment. I sit in the darkness and stare at my phone screen.

Zinaida has missed three calls, including one I placed from the Sophie’s House switchboard, and she hasn’t answered any of my increasingly annoyed text messages. The only reason I haven’t hit the emergency protocol is because a call to Charlie confirmed that she’s waiting outside a Soho warehouse, where Zinaida is at a dress fitting. I know the place; it’s one of the many businesses Zinaida supports that is owned and operated by an ex-dancer from the Quartier.

Pick up your phone,I text her, not attempting to hide my frustration.We’ve found the leak.

I stare at the screen for a full five minutes, but the message remains unread.

With only days to go until the Winter Ball, I know she’s frantically busy. But that doesn’t excuse her ignoring a security call.

Fuck this.

I call Mak.

“Luke, my friend,” he greets me. For once, there are no sounds of chaos in the background. “Funny you should call. I’ve just landed in London in preparation for the Winter Ball.”

I can almost hear him rubbing his hands together in anticipation. I grin despite my lack of good humor. “I’ll be sure to alert Zin’s dancers to your impending arrival.”