Page 219 of Chandelier Sin
Once they were inside, I turned to Eve. “Come with us.”
“You know I can’t, but I’m right behind you. I’ll meet you where we agreed.”
“Don’t go back.” I reached for her arm, trying to persuade her.
“Too suspicious,” she mouthed. “Go.”
I stepped inside the elevator, needing to get Stella to safety.
The metal doors slid between us, and I regretted leaving Eve behind immediately.
“I never told him,” Stella said faintly. “Never told them his name.”
Jake and I swapped a knowing glance. She meant our fourth partner, Cameron. Even under those extraordinary circumstances, she’d not caved.
I saw her in a new light.
“I know,” Jake said softly. “I’ve got you now.”
My warning not to try gaining access to the sixth floor had gone unheard. Jake had risked his life for the woman who’d almost betrayed him.
“Are you okay?” I tilted my head forward, not wanting to ask about A.J. in front of his sister.
Jake gave a confident nod. “It’s done.”
With those words, I knew A.J.’s rescue had been successful. Soon, when Stella was out of here, Jake would deliver the incredible news that her brother was offThe Hadesand in a safe place. I had a feeling Cameron would be waiting for him. Or maybe Stella would get to see him before his debriefing.
I hesitated by the exit. “I have to go back.”
“Going back will draw attention to her.”
Jake hadn’t witnessed what they’d done to Lance. He couldn’t know that those rumors were true.
“You’re more use to her alive.”
Stella nestled her head in the crook of his neck as he carried her out of the elevator.
I glanced back up, cursing the fact I’d left Eve behind.
I looked at my watch and realized we’d lost an hour. Making the flight out of LAX was going to be tight.
She still had to grab her passport.
Why did everything have to go so wrong?
Istood waiting at the end of my driveway, looking in the direction Atticus might come from, feeling panicked over why he was late.
I’m coming for you…my darling Eloise.
I felt a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions—and overwhelming love.
Checking my purse, I looked for my passport to make sure I hadn’t spaced out and mislaid it. It was hard to focus. We’d agreed I wouldn’t bring a suitcase. If the staff saw me with it, they’d probably alert Aemon.
We wouldn’t have much time before he realized I was gone. If he guessed our destination, he’d give the order to move my daughter.
The last time I saw Atticus, he was escorting Jake and Stella to the elevator to make sure they got out of Pendulum. I sensed after everything Stella had been through, they’d stay with her a while to help her recover from the last few hours.
I clung to his promise that he would meet me here and fly withme to London- Heathrow. From there, we’d make the long drive down to Cornwall.
