Page 106 of The Monster and the Last Blood Match

“She’s been feeding the rebels information about us since she arrived. She’s a plant.”

“That’s absurd,” Reyna said.

“I’d have to agree with Reyna,” Beckham said, sticking up for her. “I’m with her all the time. I’ve even been with her while she’s been out shooting. What images make you think she’s part of Elle?”

“The images themselves don’t show rebel activity,” Roland said carefully. “However, the style of the pictures taken match an Elle website we’ve been monitoring.”

“The one that has been causing all the trouble in the news?Perspective?” Beckham asked.

“Yes,” Roland said.

“And you’re sure they match them. You have exact matches?” Beckham asked.

“Stylistically, yes.”

She couldn’t hold back any longer. Even if the images were hers, there was no way she was going down as a rebel. She could be a voice without being part of the Elle alliance.

“My images are my own. They’re not on some website. If there’s no exact matches between them, then you have nothing but speculation.”

Roland glared at her, but it was Cassandra who spoke up. She furiously stood. “How dare you speak to us like that.”

“Cassie,” Beckham said soothingly.

“There is more proof, Beckham. Felix confirmed that she was one of the Elle rebels. He said he had been in contact with her about the organization.”

Reyna’s mouth dropped open. Felix had told them that she was an Elle contact? If Felix was a rebel, then he was likely a horrible one. The only time she hadn’t seen him look completely drugged was at their very first introduction.

Beckham stood very still. He refused to look at her. “And where is Felix now to give this testimony?”

Cassandra glanced away from him. “He’s no longer with us.”

“He died in the fires,” Harrington confirmed.

Reyna gasped softly. She couldn’t believe he was one of the ones who had died. She didn’t even really know him, and it was a tragedy.

“And when did he tell you this?” Beckham probed.

“Before he died.”

“So, we’re supposed to believe the word of a dead man?”

“What more proof would you like before you believe that she is working against us?” Roland demanded.

Beckham was pissed. She could see it all over his face. He knew what was happening. Roland was upset and had worked against him to get rid of Reyna. Perhaps he would even try to claim her as the prize. No, they couldn’t allow this.

“So, by questioning Reyna’s allegiance, are you also questioningmyallegiance?” he growled.

“I already said I trust you, Beckham,” Harrington said. The old man looked as if he wanted Beckham to believe him, but there was something hard and fierce in his eyes that said he would burn everyone to the ground before letting them beat him.

“I’ve done nothing but serve Visage and the company’s interests faithfully foryears. I was one of the loudest voices for Visage in the early years. I helped the company get on its feet during the trying times of the initial wave of blood type matches. I’ve done everything for you, and now this?” he asked. “I vouch for Reyna, and since when is my word questioned?”

“I don’t question your loyalty, Beckham,” Harrington said. “You know I think of you as a son. You’ve proven yourself, but the evidence is incriminating and I won’t take the chance.”

Beckham laughed humorlessly. “A few pictures that you think match a website yet unconfirmed as an Elle sympathizer let alone part of Elle itself.Nomatching images, and I wastherewhen they were all taken. Plus, the word of a dead man that Cassandra probably drained for fun.”

Cassandra looked indignant, but Reyna could see he had struck a chord.

“Don’t try to deny it,” Beckham said. “We all know it’s not the first time.”

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