Page 58 of These White Lies

Finn hesitates but adds, “He’s had the lease for ten years.”

Her head jerks. “Not long after we got married.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sera shift. Her crossed arms loosen, and she looks away, her jaw softening a fraction. Even she isn’t immune to the hurt suffusing Elizabeth’s face.

“He kept the lease active even when he was overseas. It’s possible that’s where he crashed when he was back in the States.”

“I’ll check it out. If nothing else, he might have left something that will give us an idea what he’s been up to.”

“I’m going with you,” Elizabeth says immediately.

I knew she would. Her shoulders are bunched like she expects me to argue, and is ready to fight. I get an inappropriate amount of pleasure in surprising her.

“Road trip,” I say, with a calm smile that hides the fury I feel at the piece of shit she’d been married to.

“We can head down in the morning,” Sera says, shutting down her computer.

“Only the two of us are going.” I avoid looking in Sera’s direction. “It will be easier to maneuver with two people.”

Sera hops to her feet, hands on her hips. “ThenI’llgo with you.” She points a finger at Elizabeth. “Shecan stay locked up safe and sound in her tower.”

I silently will Elizabeth to keep her mouth closed. “Elizabeth was married to Keith. She’ll know what to look for. What seems out of place.”

“He’s right,” Vincent interjects gruffly. “Safer for just two. Elizabeth’s the best choice.”

Sera’s head swings in his direction. “Not if she has another tantrum, and ignores instructions.”

Damn it, Finn.We need to have a conversation about discretion.

Before I can remind Sera who is in charge, Elizabeth says in a soft voice, “It won’t happen again. I know what happened last night was my fault, and I know how lucky we are that Brady wasn’t hurt.” She stares at my sister, even while I try to decipher her choice of words.

Luckyweare…

What the fuck does that mean?

Is she grouping herself with my sister? As if Elizabeth would be equally upset if I were injured? And why does that make me feel so fucking happy?

“I won’t do anything to put anyone on this team at risk again. I’m sorry.”

The sincerity in her voice is undeniable, and I’m pretty sure I’m the only one in the room not stunned. But I’ve met this Elizabeth before. The one underneath the armor.

“Okay,” I clap my hands to break the awkward tension in the room. “It’s settled. We’ll leave early, daybreak. With any luck, we can do it in a day.”

“There’s one more thing.” I turn to see Elizabeth with her hand half raised in the air, her cheeks pink. “I need more clothes. As much as I appreciate the loan, I can’t wear this every day. And I only grabbed a couple of work outfits when Luke took me from my house. I need to go back to get more clothes.”

I don’t like the idea of her returning to her house. The Lapidarists could be watching, in the hope that she’ll return so they can get another shot at her. But what’s the alternative? We can’t exactly go to the mall. Retrieving her belongings is the most efficient way.

“I want everyone ready to roll out in twenty minutes,” I bark.

I hope this isn’t a mistake.

16

ELIZABETH

I feel like the President of the United States as the two black SUVs roll down my street. I’m equal parts embarrassed and grateful to have so many armed people around me.

When Brady pulls up at the curb, Vincent and Finn hop out. Finn disappears from sight around the back of my house while Vincent goes to the front door.