Page 221 of The Invite
“She’s too smart to attack you at school or at your house, where she knows we’ll keep an eye out since she knows the FBI is chasing her,” says Michael. “She’ll corner you at a public place.”
“Like the night of The Massacre Ball,” offers Arjun.
It’s in two weeks! That’s all the time I have?
I stare aghast, seconds away from having a panic attack. Michael senses it and yanks a chair out to help me sit.
“We’ll keep you safe, Nessa,” he assures me, lowering to his haunches to lock our gazes. “One of the detectives will keep a close watch on you. We already have a tracker on you, so you need not worry.” I look at my lap when he presses a small card in my palm. “Here’s my number. You’ll need to buy a burner phone and check in with me once a week. Make sure you’re alone and away from Augustus whenever you call me.”
Now, I’m ridden with guilt and soul-crushing pain in my chest for knowingly betraying him. He hates liars, and that’s exactly what I am.
Will he forgive me for lying to him?
Anonymous is holding the same secret over my head.
I’m torn because I can’t confess anything to Augustus, lest I sabotage the FBI’s mission. The sooner they catch Debolina, the sooner I can tell Augustus the truth.
Even at the expense of putting myself in danger.
With determination, I reply to Michael, “Fine. Let her come after me. But after this, I’m done and I never want to see you again.”
He sighs. “I have a favor to ask first.”
“What?”
“The local authorities have agreed to help the FBI on one condition.” Standing up, he nods at Arjun.
Arjun, straight shooter as ever, asks, “Has Augustus ever mentioned his uncle?”
Those are the last words I expected to come out of his mouth.
“Nessa?” Michael prompts.
I direct the question at Arjun, “What has my boyfriend got to do with anything?”
“We believe Elizabeth had a hand in murdering her late husband’s brother, who went missing around several years ago.”
Oh my god!
Silence echoes in my head.
“We’d like you to find whatever you can from Augustus or Scarlett.”
“You mean spy on the Graysons?” His lips flatten into a straight line. “No. I will not be doing that.”
I’d rather die by Debolina’s hands than betray Augustus like that.
It’s a hundred times worse than me lying about my name.
“Nessa?” Micheal utters.
I snap, “I said no.”
A subtle glance passes between the two men and it’s Arjun who speaks, annihilating my world. “If you refuse to help us, then you’ll be moved out of this town once Debolina is caught. So, I’d advise you to think it over before you say no.”
CHAPTER – 56
Augustus
