Page 106 of The Fighter
I took her hands. “Raven, we’re in trouble.”
“Why, what’s wrong? You look like you’ve eaten something bad.”
My tone of voice was low and urgent. “They’re all gathering to hear you present what you found out in Dina’s murder case. Khan, Pearl, Solo, Erika, Mila, and Laura. It’s going to be in Magni’s room so he can hear it too”
“But you said we could never tell anyone.”
“I know. Trust me, it wasn’t my suggestion.”
“Then why didn’t you say no?”
My voice rose to a high pitch. “How do I say no to Khan and Pearl?”
Raven chewed on her lips. “You could have told them that Erika is upset with me for digging around in her daughter’s death and that with Magni being injured it would be better to wait.”
I rubbed my forehead. “Yes, I wish I had thought of that, but I didn’t. Argh, why the fuck didn’t I keep my big mouth shut? I could have just passed Khan with a simple hello.”
“But we can’t tell them what we know.”
“No, we absolutely cannot.” My head was spinning rapidly. “Or maybe… I don’t know.”
Raven waited for me to gather my thoughts.
“Maybe it could work. The more witnesses, the better. If we tell what we know with Pearl and Mila in the room it will improve our chances of leaving unharmed. Don’t you think?”
Raven leaned in and muttered. “I can’t believe we’re discussing this like our lives are in danger.”
I scoffed. “Trust me, they are. This is the ruling family, and just like every ruler before them they’ve had to do what it takes to stay in power.”
“Yes, but I’m like family to them.”
With a hand at the small of Raven’s back, I nudged her forward. “Let’s hope that makes a difference. Now let’s go get the box with all your research. You’re going to need it when you do your presentation. Your accusations are strong, so your proof better be strong too.”
CHAPTER 26
Dina’s Death
Raven
Leo carried my box of evidence as we walked to Laura’s and Magni’s suite. Our footsteps were heavy and our breathing shallow. My mouth was dry and when Leo stopped before entering, we exchanged a long look.
“Every instinct I have as a protector tells me to take you away from here. To shield you from whatever is going to happen in that room if we enter.”
“The truth shall set you free.” My words sounded hoarse because of my dry throat.
“Yeah, but the kind of truth we’re bringing often results in an unwanted kind of freedom.”
I tilted my head, silently asking him to explain.
“You know, the kind of freedom where your soul leaves your body because you’re silenced.”
Closing my eyes, I heaved in a deep breath of air. “That won’t happen. The Northlands have changed and there are good people in that room.”
“Yeah, but just in case.” Leo moved closer and shifted the box in his arms to make room for him to lean down and kiss me. “I want you to know that meeting you and loving you has been the highlight of my existence.”
“We’re going to be fine, Leo. We didn’t do anything wrong.”
He kissed me again. “Just remember that I love you.”
