Page 70 of Princes of Sin
“I don’t think I should walk in with you tonight,” I say quickly, turning around and placing my hands on his chest.
“Lot, we haven’t confirmed that he knows yet, and we can’t pass up an opportunity to take them all out in one swoop. Youknow as well as I do that the safe houses are nearly unplottable, despite multiple false leads–”
“No, listen. Charlie Hoeffler might know who I am now. It changes everything. Before, we might’ve been able to get away with it, but he could recognize me and we’d blow the whole thing. What if I stay in the van with Lachlan? Just for a few minutes while you scope the place out?”
Max’s forehead pinches with worry. “You think that’s for the best?”
I nod. “It can’t hurt.”
“Very well.” He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. “I trust you.”
Smiling, I rest my face against his chest. “Thank you for trusting me.”
His phone buzzes, and he pulls it out of his jacket pocket. “Time to go.”
I grab my handbag and shawl, and then I slip into my clear Louboutin’s. They make me feel like Cinderella, and I smile as Max links arms with me.
The others are waiting by the front door, and I take in Alex’s black suit, Otto’s light grey suit, and Lachlan’s dark grey trousers and white Oxford shirt. He’s not as dressed up as us, because he won’t be going in–but if need be, he’ll blend in with the staff.
My heart races as we walk to the car.
Just the five of us–our first solo mission.
Once inside, I sit comfortably on Alex’s lap and text Harlow that we’re on our way.
Me: Driving now. Will keep you updated.
Harlow: Be careful. All of you. I know you’re capable, but it doesn’t stop me from worrying like a mother hen.
Me: Relax. You’ve all trained us well.
Harlow: I may have requested an audio feed from Lachlan’s van.
Me: You are a mother hen.
Harlow: I’ll feel better at least knowing what’s happening in real time.
Me: *eye roll emoji*
The drive into London is quiet, and we hit traffic once we’re in the city. I wipe my sweaty hands on my dress anxiously, and once we arrive in the nondescript parking garage a block away, Otto parks the silver Audi next to the white van Lachlan and Max drove here a few days ago.
Max explains the new plan, and before any of us are ready, Max, Otto, and Alex begin walking toward the door. Lachlan slides the van door open and then closes it once I’m in. It’s eerily quiet, and his blue eyes flick over my face every few seconds as he boots the system up.
“Testing, three, two, one…”
“We’re ready to party,” Otto answers.
The plan was for Max to enter with me, and then Otto and Alex would enter shortly after. Since I’m in the van with Lachlan, they decided to go in one at a time.
Lachlan and I sit in nervous silence.
“It looks all clear,” Max says a minute later. “I don’t see Charlie anywhere.”
My pulse spikes. “Okay. Let’s give it another minute.”
“Target Number Two,” Alex murmurs. “Bar.”
“Keep an eye on him,” Lachlan tells him after pressing the mic button. He releases it a second later.
