Page 79 of Poison Ivy
Swann’s eyes narrow. “See that it doesn’t startnow. This assignment is time-sensitive and high-priority. You have forty-six hours to eliminate the target.”
My mind races. Forty-six hours? That’s an unusual time frame. Have they been hanging onto this for two hours, or more, even? And if so, why? “Understood,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “Any specific requirements for the hit?”
“Clean and untraceable, as always. Beyond that, the method is up to you.”
I nod. “Is there anything else I should know?”
Swann pauses, studying me through the screen. “Only this - failure is not an option, Miss Hammond. The consequences would be severe.”
A chill runs down my spine at his words. I’ve never failed an assignment before, but I’ve heard whispers of what happens to those who do. Nothing good.
“I won’t fail,” I say firmly, meeting his gaze.
“See that you don’t.” With that, the screen goes black, and I slam it closed immediately.
I sit there for a long moment, my mind whirling. What the fuck is going on? Why would Tate put out a hit on Torin? And why through official Syndicate channels? None of this makes sense.
A soft knock on my door jolts me out of my thoughts. Ramsey pokes his head in, concern etched on his face. “Everything okay?”
I shake my head. “Not even close. I just got assigned to take out Torin.”
Ramsey’s eyes widen. “Shit. Who ordered it?”
“Tate, apparently.”
“What? Why would he?—”
“I don’t know,” I cut him off, running a hand through my hair in frustration. “None of this adds up. But I’ve got less than two days to figure it out and complete the hit.”
Ramsey steps fully into the room, closing the door behind him. “Okay, let’s think this through. What are your options?”
I start pacing, my mind racing. “I could try to talk to Tate, find out what’s really going on. But if he did put out the hit, confronting him might put me in danger. Or I could go through with the hit, but...” I trail off, not wanting to admit how much the thought of that sickens me. Torin is a cruel arsehole who likes to play games, but I am so drawn to him, it’s not even funny. I want him as Poison wants him. When his hands are on me, I feel alive, like I’ve come out from under the shelter I’ve hidden under since my parents died. It’s the same with Tate, only stronger, more powerful. And Bram… I can’t even go there yet. “Is this a power play?” I ask suddenly.
“It’s something,” Ramsey says. “I’m not entirely convinced of what though.”
“Yeah, me neither.”
“Talk to Tate. It’s the only way you will get answers.”
“You don’t think it’s a trap?”
He gives me a sour look. “Girl. I’ve seen the waythat boy looks at you. He couldn’t hurt you even if he were possessed by the worst evil. No, whatever this is, it isn’t a trap.”
“I hope you’re right,” I mutter, sitting on the bed. I can’t decide anything until I’ve spoken to Tate. “I’m going over there,” I say, putting my shoes on.
“You’re in your pjs.”
“Doesn’t matter. I need to find out tonight what all of this is about.”
“Be safe,” he says.
“Always am.” I give him a tight smile and brush past him, racing downstairs and out into the night.
I jog through the dark campus, my mind racing as fast as my feet. The cool night air bites at my exposed skin, reminding me that I’m still in my pjs. But I don’t care. I need answers, and I need them now.
As I approach the townhouse where Torin, Tate, and Bram live, I slow down, suddenly unsure. What if this is a trap? What if Tate really did put out the hit, and I’m walking right into danger?
But Ramsey’s words echo in my mind. Whatever this is, it can’t be what it seems on the surface.
