Page 273 of Shadowman

But that answer doesn’t work, so I say, “He’s with Johansson and Hassan.”

The Ivory shows me a pleased expression. “So he’s enjoying his time with Lemuel, then?”

I nod reticently. “Yes… Seems that way.”

“Good,” he sighs, crossing his ankle over his knee, wrapping Hancock’s leash around his fist until it tightens. “It’s important to reward loyalty, don’t you think?” He stares at me until I nod again. “Trevel has been vying for the good doctor since he got here, and while at first it wasn’t beneficial for me to show my hand, things have obviously changed.”

“That’s an understatement,” I mutter, then catch myself, eyes flinging to his.

He simply grins. “Felix Darcey will pop up eventually, and when he does, maybe I’ll let you take the reins on that one.”

I don’t even fucking care anymore, man. Felix Darcey is the least of my worries at this point.But I force a grateful nod and a curt, “Thank you.”

“In the meantime, I need to make sure you’ll be able to coexist with our visitor,” he goes on, absentmindedly brushing his fingers through the messy strands of Hancock’s brown hair. “It might be a bit trying for you. But just remember, you fought to be here, Byron. No one can take that away from you.”

I have no earthly clue what he’s talking about, but his words and the way he’s speaking them are causing nervous chills to scatter over my body.

Movement across the room catches my eye, and I gulp. Trevel has emerged from the far end of the garden… The opposite direction from where I just told The Ivory he was. When he sees us all sitting out here, he ducks behind some trees. I glance atThe Ivory, then his men, releasing a secret breath.Thank fuck, they didn’t see him.

Trevel peers out just enough for my eyes to widen at him.

Stay where you are.

For the love of God, don’t let him see you.

My heart is thumping like crazy, but I’m trying to ignore it and act normal. Clomping footsteps grow closer as Kent storms outside, addressing The Ivory. “We’ve got him.”

Manuel Blanco chuckles, rubbing his hands together in satisfaction. “Perfect. Bring him to me.”

Kent nods, pulling the walkie off of his holster and grumbling into it, “Bring him to the atrium.”

“Go find Yari and let him know we’re all clear,” Blanco says. “I want you and Paulino up there to greet Russo when the helicopter touches down.”

“Yes, sir.” Kent stalks off almost as fast as my heart just sank into my gut.

Russo…

Did he just say… Russo?? As in, Governor Russo??

As in, Michelangelo’s scumbag father, the man responsible for me being locked up in Hell for three goddamn years?!

I feel myself pale. Naturally, The Ivory is already staring at me when I whip in his direction, and he murmurs, “I told you it would be a bit trying.”

“Trying??” I gasp, jumping up from my seat, panicked rage filling my extremities. “Are you fucking serious?! You expect me to be in the same room as him?? That man wants me dead… That’s why I’m here, you know that!”

“Sit down,” he commands, deep and warning.

I have no choice but to slink back into my seat, though my knee is bouncing rapidly. I expect The Ivory to spout some of his usual ominous Jigsaw crap, but when he isn’t speaking, I allow my eyes to slide his way again.

Leaning closer to me, his dark gaze hardens in frustration. “Do you think Iwanthim here? Considering the current state of this island, it’s not exactly the best time for the Governor of fucking New York to show up. I’ve held him off as long as I could, and now he’s coming. Swallow it, shadowman. It’s happening.”

My jaw clenches so hard I feel my teeth snapping. “I can’t look him in the eye. He ruined my life.”

“You can and you will,” he says firmly, though his tone is much less foreboding than before. It sounds almost… supportive? That is, until his head cocks. “Unlessyou’re more worried that seeing him will remind you of whatelseyou lost… Aside from your freedom, I mean.”

My lungs shrivel up, and my heart constricts, like everything behind my ribcage is being crushed. Of course, seeing Michelangelo’s father again will remind me of him, and how we were before he caught us. It’s as devastating as it is enraging.

The smallest silver lining in being here was knowing I’d never have to see Governor Russo’s fucking face again. Now he’scoming here?!