Page 27 of East (The Moral Compass 3)

We still haven’t located Margarite, and we don’t know who is threatening Drake. So apart from me being married, nothing has changed in the last two flaming days. Frustration fills me as I take my phone out of my pocket and call Chelsea’s number. It rings out and then goes to voicemail. Even more frustrating. I need to talk to my best friend, and she’s magically disappeared, too.

Just when I think things can’t get any worse, my phone pings with a text.

West: Just checking on my sis. Are you okay?

East: Yes, fine.

West: North and Kara are talking about coming out to see you next week. Will you be in New York?

Oh crap! What do I say now?

East: Not too sure. Can I confirm nearer the time when they have some dates?

West: Of course. Are you sure you’re okay? You’re normally so organised.

East: I’m fine. Just a bit busy. I’ll give you a call soon. X

I put my phone back in my pocket. I can’t answer any more questions without him getting more suspicious.

We still haven’t worked out how we are going to get this marriage annulled or get a divorce. Everyone we have spoken to is giving us different advice. With everything going on, we haven’t had time to go back to the scene of the crime.

Drake is safe now and back in his suite with the noxious, Alicia. I can’t believe I was so hung up on him. He is not the guy I thought he was. He’s weak. He’s not the rock star god I fantasised over. I thought seeing him with Alicia in the fleshliterallywould have sparked some feelings, but I felt nothing but rage at her trying to blackmail me and Zed.

Knock, knock.

The adjoining door opens, and Zed slowly comes into my room.

“Should we head out and see if we can work out how to get out of this mess?”

“Yes, I think that’s the best idea you have had all day.” I wink and jump up off the bed.

Half an hour later, we stand outside the Candlelight Wedding Chapel. The queue is huge.

“Was there a queue like this last night?” Zed asks. I shrug my shoulders. I can’t remember.

Two hours pass, and we have moved very little.

“Why don’t we go and get a drink?” Zed asks. “This place is open twenty-four hours. We can come back later when it’s quieter.” A warm flutter spins in my belly.

“Oh, go on, then. I suppose being married to you for another few hours isn’t going to kill me,” I joke.

“You should never joke about stuff like that, East,” he says sternly.

“Why? It was only a joke.”

“Yes, but that’s one of the reasons I don’t want to stay married to you. If my enemies found out, it would make you a target.”

“What? More than I already am? Zed, sometimes you are a stupid man. Just because you, West, and North seem to be the face of the organisation doesn’t mean your enemies don’t know who I am or what I do.” She smiles. “Don’t judge a book by its cover, Zed. You of all people should know that.”

“I guess I’ve never thought of you that way before. Let’s face it, I’ve been involved with The Stargazers for years, and we have only just met. I knew who you were, and I knew what you did, but I never saw you as a threat to the other side because you sit behind your computer, and you are not in the firing line. I just assumed you were relatively safe. I assumed wrong, East.” He takes my hand in his, and we set off walking down the street.

Too many drinks later, we stumble out of one of the casinos. I’ve just landed thirty grand.

“Where the hell did you learn to play poker like that? Actually, don’t answer that.” He laughs.

“Ah, well, if you think it’s West, you’re wrong.” I laugh back as he looks on, confused.

“My mum. She is a mathematical genius, and she taught us how to count cards. We are not allowed to do it often and only for a bit of fun.”

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