via

r shut, locked it, and co

raw, animalistic keening that seemed to come

crystal perfume bottle from the v

re, reflecting a fractured, distorted image of a w

nded by glittering debris,

hen, the distinct click of

her wa

She closed the door quietly and locked it behind her. She stepped ov

Olivia,"

eaming down my face. "He chos

, her voice devoid

my feet, my l

r to me and sl

force of the blow. The shock stopped

ct us," she said, her voice like steel.

he bathroom and began to s

thinks he can bring his whore

wel down onto th

ten who gave h

hone. She dialed a n

hur Cole on the secure line. Tell him we have informati

ed at me, her eyes c

ael Thorne los

I whi

said. "And

d out a simple black dress. "Put t

cked leather chair, watching my p

yping furiously on a laptop, the clicks

ing up. "The capital from the construction projects in the South Side is being with

smoking a cigar, looking out th

a made man's daughter at a sanctioned event is grounds for... re-evaluation. The New

t me, a grim satis

ther has arranged a 'diplomatic mission'. He leaves t

aving?"

't know it yet. When he lands, he will find his acc

s not enou

realized I was thinking them. Th

me, surprised by th

id, my voice steadying. "

. It was a dark,

o you p

ent life that was now tied to a traitor. I would protect this ch

ll him I lost t

went de

around slowly. "Y

. "Three

a fraction of a second, then

stress of tonight caused

killed his heir. Tell him hi

ew respect, seeing the Hayes bl

cruel,"

stice," I

r and took my hand,

ry," she whispered.

ned to

nd. Tell him Mrs. Thorne has suffered a medical emergen

s leave to delive

me. I had just declared my husband de

indow at the dark city, I

lt p