Page 110 of The Scarab's Game

I said, “Two guards are blocking her path. We can handle them.”

Drew said, “You’re going to owe me twice.”

She made a kissing noise and said, “Okay, Mr. Grumpy Face.”

Noah vanished at the top of the stairs.

“Here we go, folks,” I said. “Noah’s out of the picture for now. Drew and I will get Jayce through. Will, bring the drone close enough so the guards can hear it. Hopefully, it will disorient them even more. Jayce, time to move.”

I walked up to the guards, putting on my best concerned-husband act. “Excuse me, gentlemen. Could you check if my wife is still inside? She’s been in the ladies’ room for twenty minutes, and I’m getting worried.”

One of them put out a hand. “I’m sorry, sir, but if you?—”

“Wait,” said the other. “You were with the boss yesterday, yes?”

“I was.”

They looked at each other and straightened. This was precisely why I’d wanted to make a show of parading around with Martine—immediate respect.

Jayce stayed close to the wall, inconspicuous and casual.

The man who’d recognized me turned his head and touched his ear, speaking quietly. He was calling for a female guard to join us. More security would ruin our plan, not improve it.

“That’s not necessary.” I touched the man’s arm, and the second guard swiped it away. I put up my hands in surrender, not interested in bringing more attention to us. “Just tell her it’s time to?—”

Drew appeared out of nowhere, tripping into both of the guards. They all careened away from Jayce’s direction. Then three men came barreling out from the ladies’ room, slamming into the guards, taking Drew and me to the ground with them.

The newcomers were all dressed in khakis and hiking boots.

Will’s excited voice came through the comms, “They got the door open!”

No kidding.

“Wow!” One of the urban explorers, tangled up with Drew and me, attempted to stand. As he did, he pulled out his phone to take a photo. “They said the tunnel would lead somewhere amazing, but?—”

The guards recovered first. The one who’d been calling for backup grabbed the explorer’s phone and smashed it. He yelled at the invaders to stay down. Another guard, newly arrived from the secret passage, helped Drew and me stand.

No sign of Jayce, but she said over the earpiece, “I’m out. The guards didn’t see me.”

I mouthed to Drew,She’s safe. Then I huffed out a breath, straightening my tux. “Thank you, gentlemen. I’ll let Martine know what a splendid job you’re doing.”

“This was supposed to be an exclusive event.” Drew looked down at the men on the ground in disgust. “I’m leaving.”

“And if my wife comes out, tell her I’ve gone back to the auction.” I ran a hand through my hair, ramping up my faux irritation, while still providing critical details to the team. “It’s so much calmer in there.”

I glanced toward Martine’s office.

Was Noah still upstairs? Was he watching us?

Was Martine helping him more than she’d promised to help us?

Chapter 41

Jenn

“Merci, madame.”The auction assistant, professional and composed, closed her notebook. “I will take this information to the auction coordinator, who will confirm.”

“Thanks. And I’m sorry for the hassle.” I offered her a polite smile, pride and worry battling in my stomach. We’d done the right thing, but what consequences might I face for it?

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