Page 20 of Misery

"We have a problem," Magnus says without preamble. "Los Coyotes killed two more scouts tonight. Found them behind Rosie's bar on the south side."

"Mine?"

"No. These were fresh kills. Still warm when the patrol found them." He pauses. "Someone else is hunting them. Someone not affiliated with us."

I frown. "Who else would?—"

"That's what we need to find out. Could be a rival cartel. Could be freelance. Either way, it's escalating. Runes wants everyone back. Full lockdown until we know what we're dealing with."

"I've got Elfe secure."

"Bring her back."

"Tomorrow. Tonight she needs to decompress."

"Oskar—"

"Tomorrow, Magnus. She's safe. That's all that matters right now."

I hang up before he can argue, then look at Elfe, who's watching me with those pale eyes.

"What's happening?"

"Los Coyotes are getting hit from multiple sides. Someone else is hunting them, too."

"Is that good or bad?"

"Don't know yet." I sit back down, closer than before. "But you're not going anywhere near it until we figure it out."

"I can't hide forever."

"You can hide tonight. Tomorrow we'll deal with whatever comes."

She nods. Shifts closer. Not touching, but almost. "Can I ask you something?"

"Yeah."

"Why do you care what happens to me? Really. Not whatever obligation you feel toward me because I’m Ivar’s daughter. Therealreason."

I could lie. Should lie.

Keep the professional distance that's kept me functional for seven months.

But the wine and the firelight and the way she kissed me earlier makes the truth slip out.

"Because you matter."

"To the club?"

"To me."

She absorbs this. Doesn't run. Doesn't pull back. "How long?"

"Does it matter?"

"Yes."

"Months. That's all you get tonight."