Page 65 of Cast in Shadow
I sat with that for a beat as I drank more of that rich amber liquid. “One, because we don’t know what would happen to the demon. It might be drawn back into the Alius, or it might be set loose to roam free in our world.” I hesitated before adding, “Or it might try to jump to the nearest living magical body.”
Nguyen leaned back in his chair, lacing his hands behind his head, watching me. “What’s number two?”
“The Brethren have more experience taking out powerful witches than anyone else in the world.” The truth tasted like ash on my tongue, but facts were facts. If Megan had managed to grow stronger than me, having Emerson there as backup was the smartest play.
Nguyen’s expression darkened. “Is that what they do when they aren’t torturing 18-year-old girls?”
I got up out of my chair, brought the heel of my hand to my chin, and pressed, tilting my head until my neck gave a much-needed pop. “Phineas broke the code, and I’ll make sure he paysfor that mistake.” Though, whether Emerson’s team or mine would be the one to exact justice was still up in the air.
Nguyen’s big chest rose and fell. His nostrils flared. No doubt he was thinking about the torture he’d endured and the torture he’d witnessed at Shay’s expense. Unfortunately, a quick glance at Shay told me the discussion wasn’t going my way.
“I appreciate that this doesn’t seem like a good idea after what Phineas did to you both, but it’s the best option we have,” I said firmly.
She rolled her eyes before letting out a shuddering breath. “What’s your plan?”
Hope flickered for a beat, but I kept the reins firmly in place. No point letting my relief run free until I knew for sure. “Are you going to be okay working with Emerson?”
Shay chewed on her bottom lip and cast a worried look at Nguyen. “I remember him and the other guy coming in and stopping Phineas. They seemed pretty pissed.”
Turning to Nguyen, I arched a brow.
“I don’t like it.” He swirled his whiskey in his glass. “I want that on the record.”
“Duly noted. Are you in or out?”
“I’m in.”
“Thank you.”
He took a long drink, holding my gaze as he did, and I got the message loud and clear. He was upset. So was Shay, and they had every right and reason to be.
Dennis cleared his throat. “Do I get a vote?”
“You do. This is all or none, not majority rule. If you veto working with?—”
“I’m in too,” he said, but then he held up his index finger. “As long as I get to be part of the mission that takes down Phineas.”
“Same,” Shay added quickly.
I cast a glance at Nguyen. “I’m assuming you also want in on that one?”
His answer was a steady stare.
Of course he did. If I were in his shoes, I’d be champing at the bit to go after that evil prick.
“Then it’s on to step two.” Drawing in a bracing breath, I closed my eyes and opened my mind to Emerson.
“They’re on board, but only as long as they can be involved in handling Phineas.”
“That can be arranged.”His voice filled my head, and it took entirely too much of my self-control to keep my expression neutral.
“They’re my people, Emerson. The closest thing I have to family.”
Seconds ticked by before he answered.“Then they will be treated as such.”
It was a cold response, devoid of emotion. Truly, I felt nothing coming through the link, and it had me second-guessing what I was about to do. We needed to collaborate in real time to work together. That could be done over screens, if needed, but something like this was always better handled in person.
“What do you need to find me?”
