Page 63 of House of Soot

“I’m told something happened last year.” I study her reaction.

She shrugs. “There’s been a lot of odd goings on over the last year. I don’t know that it has anything to do with this tunnel.” She glances toward the exit. “I should get back to work?—”

"Actually, you could help me with something. I need to talk to Ronan about these tunnels."

"Why?" Her eyes widen with concern.

"Security reasons. Anyone could get into the house through this. And tonight would be a prime night to do it. Could you find him and send him down here? Tell him I found something important."

Jenna hesitates. "I don't know. Mrs. Kean was very clear about staff not bothering the family during the party."

"This is about keeping them safe." I cup her face, knowing exactly how to play her loyalty to the Keans against her, and I don’t feel guilty about it one bit. Well, maybe a little. "You want to protect them, right? Like they've protected you and your mom?"

"Of course." She nods, determination replacing uncertainty. "I'll find him right away."

"Just be discrete. We don't want to alarm the guests." I press a quick kiss to her forehead.

I watch her hurry up the stairs, my hand already reaching for my weapon. Everything's falling into place. The tunnel, Ronan, my revenge. Yet something twists in my gut as I think of Jenna's smile, her absolute trust in me.

I shake it off. There's no room for doubt now. Ronan will come down those stairs, and I'll finally make him pay for what he did to my family. Then I’ll use the tunnel to leave, as planned.

As soon as Jenna's footsteps fade, I pull out my phone and tap the secure messaging app my brothers and I use.

Target incoming. South cellar tunnel confirmed.

My fingers hover over the keys before adding,Will have clear shot. No witnesses.

Phoenix responds first with a thumbs up. Then Ash sends,

Car parked on road, keys on floorboard.

Flint's message comes last.

Sure about this? No turning back.

I think of Jenna's innocent description of finding this tunnel, how she handed that information to Ronan like a gift. And yet, I can’t leave her vulnerable to him.

I'm sure. See you on the other side.

I check my weapon one last time, ensuring the silencer is secure. The wine cellar feels different now, no longer the place where Jenna and I just made love, but the beginning of my family's resurrection. These stone walls will witness another death, but this time, it will be justice, not murder.

I position myself in the shadows beside the tunnel entrance, where I'll have a clear sight of the entrance to the wine cellar. Years of training with my brothers kicks in. Steady breathing, loose muscles, mind sharp and focused. I’m ready. Now all I need is for Jenna to deliver Ronan right into my hands.

Footsteps echo down the stone stairwell. My grip tightens on the gun as Ronan enters the wine cellar, followed by… my blood runs cold. Jenna trails behind him, wringing her hands. Fuck. I didn’t want her to see this.

"This had better be important," Ronan snaps, adjusting his silk tie. "I have guests to attend to."

I can’t worry about Jenna now. I lift my gun and point it at Ronan.

25

JENNA

My heart stops at the sight of Blaise aiming a gun at Ronan's head. The dim lighting of the wine cellar casts menacing shadows across Blaise's face, transforming the man I love into someone I don't recognize.

"What are you doing?" The words tumble from my lips.

Blaise's eyes dart to me, widening slightly as if he didn't expect to see me here. His grip on the gun tightens. "You weren't supposed to come back down."

---