Page 15 of The Reckoning
“That would be unfortunate,” he says, unmoved by the threat. “Particularly since we’re all working toward the same goal.”
“Which is?”
“The complete destruction of the Hayes empire.” His smile is cold and calculating. “Something that will happen much faster with your cooperation.”
Drew shifts beside me, confused. “What the hell is he talking about?”
The older man’s attention never wavers from my face. “Your brother has been quite effective in his infiltration, but there are limitations to what one person can accomplish. Certain access points that require your specific authorization, for example. Your particular expertise. And it will hurt so much more for both of Richard’s sons to turn on him.”
“I’m not helping you with anything.”
“Not even to save her?” He gestures toward Lilian, who meets my eyes with a mixture of relief and warning. “Your brother seemed quite motivated by Miss Hayes’s well-being. I assume you share his…attachment?”
The casual mention of Arson’s feelings for Lilian evokes a wave of jealousy, followed by a protective rage. They’ve been using her as leverage, counting on both of us caring enough to compromise our principles to keep her safe.
The very thing I spent years trying to protect Lilian from—the reason I denied giving her what we both wanted—was to save her from being used against me by my father. Yet somehow, she has become a chess piece in a game I wasn’t even aware we were playing.
“What do you want?” I ask through gritted teeth.
“What we’ve always wanted. Richard Hayes destroyed. His empire dismantled. His legacy erased.” The older man’s expression hardens. “He’s caused considerable damage over the years to too many people. It’s time for that debt to be paid.”
“And you think kidnapping Lilian will make me help you?”
“I think your brother’s weeklong deadline to eliminate Richard Hayes will be much easier to meet with your assistance.” He checks his watch with theatrical precision. “Six days, eighteen hours remaining. Hardly enough time for a lone operative, but with both Hayes sons working together...”
A week.They’ve given Arson a week to kill Richard, and they’re using Lilian to ensure compliance. The cold calculation of it makes my skin crawl.
“You’re insane if you think?—”
“Your brother has already agreed to these terms,” the older man interrupts smoothly. “Quite enthusiastically, actually, once he understood the alternative.”
I look at Lilian, seeing my own understanding reflected in her eyes. We’ve all been maneuvered into this position, manipulated by forces we’re only beginning to understand.
“Let her go,” I demand. “Then we’ll talk.”
“Actually,” the older man says, producing a knife to cut Lilian’s restraints, “your brother was quite insistent about that particular term. Miss Hayes goes with you. Immediately.”
The zip ties fall away, and Lilian rubs her wrists, relief evident on her face. She doesn’t move toward us, eyes darting between the suited men with obvious wariness.
“He negotiated for her release?” I ask, surprised despite myself.
“Your brother can be quite persuasive when properly motivated.” The older man’s smile makes my stomach churn. “He made it clear that Miss Hayes’s safety was nonnegotiable. That her continued captivity would interfere with his ability to focus on the task at hand.”
Another piece of evidence that Arson’s feelings for Lilian run deeper than I’d understood. He’d put her safety above his revenge, above everything he’s worked toward for years.
“Come on,” I say, extending my hand toward Lilian. “Let’s get you out of here.”
She takes my hand without hesitation, her fingers cold but steady. The contact sends a familiar jolt through me—the need to both protect and possess her all at once.
“Six days, eighteen hours,” the older man reminds us as we move toward the door. “We’ll be monitoring progress closely.”
“Just because Arson already agreed doesn’t mean we do. What if we refuse?” Drew asks. “We could just kill you right now.”
“Then Richard Hayes continues breathing, and a lot of innocent people don’t. Including all of us…you think I’d invite you here without a backup plan?” The threat is delivered with casual efficiency. “Now, I don’t think that further violence is necessary at this point. After all, we all want the same thing—justice for past wrongs. And definitely not to be blown to tiny bits by the bombs lining the exterior of this floor.”
I have Lilian tucked into my side by the time we reach the doorway. The older man makes no move to stop us, his confidence absolute.
“Oh, and Mr. Hayes?” he calls as we step into the hallway. “Your brother mentioned you might needadditional…motivation. Rest assured, we have extensive files on everyoneyou care about. Miss Hayes is simply the most convenient pressure point.”
