Page 134 of The Scarab's Game

I walked to the large worktable in the middle of the room, running my hand along its edge. How many scale models had I constructed here? “Scarlett’s been looking for you.”

She didn’t respond immediately, instead touring the perimeter of the room. She inspected the 3D printers, slowing in front of my electronics table before moving to the upright cabinet where I kept most of my tools.

Was she looking for something? Or avoiding me?

“The relationship between mother and child is fascinating,” Evelyn finally said, giving nothing away with her tone. “We spend much of our lives trying to ensure our children will be happy and successful. We educate them about the dangers of the world, while trying to shield them from those dangers.”

Where was she going with this?

Evelyn paused in front of a 3D model of the Albrecht house. I’d built it for Emmett’s rescue mission in April.

“You kept this one?” she asked, eyebrow raised. “That was a risk.”

She was right. I shouldn’t have kept it. If the authorities came here for some reason, it would be evidence tying me to that recovery. But I couldn’t separate myself from that job. Until this week, it was the only job I’d physically been present for in ages. It was a reminder of the old times before I moved to Oxshott. Before my father died. Before I found out about my mother. Before I left my life behind.

“I’ll get rid of it.”

Evelyn nodded, then changed tack abruptly. “Brie says your mother needs additional care.”

Like the London job, I didn’t want to give up on her, either. “Katie and I haven’t decided yet.”

“I’ve spoken with some people at home and found somewhere that will take her.” The same regret I’d seen in Katie’s eyes after she came for her first visit flashed behind Evelyn’s. “Somewhere I’d approve of.”

“Really?” I’d been looking casually for a few months, and the waitlists were over a year long. How had Evelyn managed it so quickly?

Stupid question, Will. Because she’s Evelyn Reynolds.

“First, they took Emmett.” She nodded, lifting the roof off the house model and inspecting the garage. “Then they manipulated Scarlett. Tried to kill Declan and Rav. Tried to kill Jayce and Drew.” She placed the roof back on. “But this time, they took Jenn. I’d planned on going slow. Watch them and find out what they were up to. I’d thought we had time to find the photos they took of Scarlett. But if they’d touch someone outside our team…”

Scarlett was right. Her motherhadbeen planning.

“You and your mother are too exposed here,” Evelyn continued. “When we make our move, I’ll need you both at home, where I can protect you.”

Protect us? Didn’t Noah take Jenn because she was already at the Casino Rocher? Or was something else going on? What sort ofmovewas she intending?

“Does this have to do with Joseph?” I asked, voicing the question that had been nagging at everyone on the jet. “And his apparent framing?”

Evelyn’s eyes snapped to mine, sharp and assessing. “We need the team to regroup. But locally. Not remote anymore.”

Was it finally time to go home again? Instead of settling Mum somewhere in England, I could take her back to Halifax. Back to the office where Brie and I worked side by side, our desks so close I could hear the quiet hum she made when deep in thought. Back to the space where my tinkering surrounded us,her suppressed laughter always within reach. And back to the team, of course. “When?”

“The room is opening up for her in two weeks, and I’ll ensure it stays available. Plus, I’ll cover the fees as part of the relocation expenses.”

It was sudden. I’d discussed distant plans with Brie and Katie but hadn’t thought it would happen so soon. “I’ll have to get the house ready to sell…”

“You kept your condo, didn’t you?”

My condo overlooking the waterfront.

Brie had been with me the last time I was there. She’d tried not to cry when I told her I didn’t need a ride to the airport. But her boyfriend had been with her, and I wouldn’t accept a ride from him. As far as I knew, they’d broken up before Christmas, and she was still single.

I pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the matter at hand. “So we’re going on the defensive?”

“Ahh, William…” Evelyn’s voice trailed off, and I couldn’t help but notice the hint of an RP accent that always came out when she was tired.

I used to think it was because Evelyn had spent so much time with my mother back when we lived in Halifax, as if Mum’s accent had rubbed off on her. But after what we learned about her past last night, things were so clear. I’d missed clues about her past, too.

Evelyn’s lips curved into a wicked smile. “You know what they say about the best defense…”

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