I assumed they were lower levels based on that one conversation. My brow creases as I think back, trying to remember if Alyss ever told me exactlywhather role with the Hearts was.
I grew up in a gang.
That’s all she gave me. A brief explanation for the silvery scars in her skin.
Chess whistles, his eyes sliding to the other three men sat stiffly in their chairs. “Somebody has been feeding you out of date information, Red. Rob Lidell died three years ago.”
My eyes flick between them like a tennis match.
“Clearly.” Red pins a glare on one of the three others.
He only smirks at her in return. “We can all enjoy our games, sweetheart. And I did mention that the Hearts have beenveryreclusive in recent years.”
Gryphon, prez of the Spades. He runs his eyes over Chess, assessing him. “I don’t believe any of us were informed exactly who the new prezwas, of course. Not once Adam Lidell was gone. Not very polite of you, Chess.”
The smile slips from Chess’s face almost as easily as it falls from Red’s. She purses her lips. “Adam Lidell?”
Gryphon waves a hand. “You know. The one I asked you to take care of for me. A good… oh, eighteen months ago. Thanks, by the way. Incredibly helpful.”
A smirk to Chess, who looks like he’s barely restraining himself from lunging from his seat and going for Gryphon’s throat. “No hard feelings, Chess. Adam was a liability – everyone knew it. Couldn’t keep himself out of trouble, and an example had to be made. Nobody wants a junkie for their prez, am I right?”
Silence.
Chess slowly inclines his head. But it’s not quite a nod.
“So, then.” Red sounds as though she’s on the verge of a temper tantrum, unused to having conversations slip away from her. “You’re the new president of the Hearts, Chess.”
He leans back in his chair, eyebrows raising up. “Did I say that? I don’t remember saying that. Itseemslike something I’d remember agreeing to.”
All expression wipes from Red’s face.
I glance around. There are five guards in the room with us. Outside, the screaming from the investor games provides a cover for the tension rising in the room.
“Enough of this,” Red snarls. “Who exactlyisthe president, if not you? I don’t deal with underdogs, boy. If your prez is feeling nervous, tell him—.”
“Her,” Chess says softly. Dangerously. A smirk plays around his lips. “Why don’t you tell her yourself?”
The screaming—
The curtain slips open. “Good evening, everyone.”
Chess is already standing. Red sits in her throne, frozen, as Alyss Lidell strolls into the Palace. She takes Chess’s vacated seat.
And as her eyes sweep over me, she winks.
My lips twitch.
“So, then,” Alyss says coolly. “Here we are. Perhaps we should reintroduce ourselves, Red.”
“AlyssLidell.” Red almost shakes with anger. “You’rethe president of the Hearts gang?”
“I am.” Alyss examines her nails. “It used to be my brother, but then you murdered him, of course. Left him dying in a filthy alleyway.”
Gryphon sits very still in his seat. Alyss glances at him.
Dismisses him, as she turns back to Red. There’s anger in her eyes, even as she smiles, low and dangerous. “Feel free to use my road name. My real name seems to be stuck in your throat.”
Red takes a sip of her drink. Her eyes flicker to her guards. “And what is your road name?”
