Page 77 of Jezebel's Liberation

“Did you get a picture, too?” Demon asks when I finish reading.

I look, and vision blurs when I see that I did. After scanning another still image from a video, I turn it to show them.

“How is this possible?” Jez asks incredulously.

I shrug. “He must have cameras hidden that aren’t linked to the FBI network.

“What are you two talking about? Who has hidden cameras?” Demon demands.

“Agent Betts,” I explain. “This is a picture of me when I broke into his office.”

“Well, this just keeps getting better and better,” he snarls. “Now there’s evidence of you committing a felony. Fucking awesome.”

“We’ll fix this,” Jez says, resting her hand on his arm.

“I know. It’s just…” Demon pauses, waving his hand dismissively. “Jez, what’s in your envelope?”

She hesitantly pulls out her letter.

Mary Hodges,

You have blood on your hands, yet you seek me out to make me pay for my perceived sins. Hypocrisy isn’t a good look. Stop looking for me, and stop this ridiculous mission to eliminate what you can’t possibly understand. Or keep going and see how long it takes before you and all your friends are thrown in cells. The choice is yours.

Your judge, jury, and executioner,

S.C.

After setting the piece of paper on the mattress beside her, she slides a polaroid out of the envelope and hisses when she sees what the picture is. Demon and I lean in to get a good look, and I’m equal parts proud and horrified.

The picture is of Jez and Grim, and based on how different they look, I can only assume it’s from years ago. Grim is holding a man by the arms, and Jez has her fingers wrapped around the hilt of a knife that’s embedded in the man’s chest.

“When’s this from?” Demon demands.

Jez blinks several times. “It’s, uh… That’s one of the first people Grim and I took out while Soul and Malice were in the military.”

“In other words, this is evidence that you murdered someone,” I say unnecessarily.

“He deserved it,” she snaps, glaring at me.

“Not questioning that, babe. Promise.”

She heaves a sigh. “Sorry.”

“Listen to me,” I begin. “You have absolutely nothing to apologize for. This is not your fault.”

“He’sright,” Demon agrees. “And as much as I’d like to end this little show and tell, we still have that box,” he says, nodding toward the center of the bed.

Jez turns as if to grab it, but Demon holds her in place so I can snatch the box. I carefully take off the lid, holding my breath as if expecting the thing to blow up in my hands. I release a rush of air when nothing happens.

“It’s an invitation,” I say, pulling out the black cardstock with fancy red script on it. “Here, take a look.”

Ring around the rosie, pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes, you’ll show up to celebrate or I’ll knock your asses down.

Date: May 24, 2025

Location: 1491 Locust Drive, Boulder City, Nevada

Time: 8:00pm

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