Page 16 of Ricochet

Adelia remembered late-night heart-to-hearts with Seven and Victoria, trying to understand why Lenora represented people who Adelia thought deserved to die behind bars. She struggled with the concept that everyone deserved a defense. “And…?”

“People aren’t a product. They’re not scalable, and there’s more risk and reward.” Seven grimaced. “There will always be fewer sources. I don’t know what to call them. Conglomerates? Cartels? But different than with drugs and weapons.”

“Monsters,” Adelia whispered.

Drug and gun cartels made a product that eventually killed people. A cartel that specialized in the use, abuse, and destructionof a person?Monsters. There was no other appropriate word.

They remained quiet, processing what Seven had said—or not said—each lost in her thoughts, maybe sidetracked about what that meant they should do.

Finally, Adelia inhaled, shoved her keys into the ignition, and put the car in reverse. “I’ll ask Lenora to take me to the dark side. She knows more evil people than I can fathom.” She backedout of her parking space and shifted into drive. “Then let’s do what we need to do.”

Seven fidgeted with the hem of her skirt. “And what’s that?”

“We go monster hunting,” Adelia answered.

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