“No calls,” I say. “Not until someone explains what thebloody hellis going on.”
Jax moves, picking up Pen’s phone and passing it to Elijah.
Pen nods slowly, her expression grave.
“Kat, you’re going to want to sit down for this one.” She turns to Jax. “Can you make some coffee, a herbal tea for me?”
Jax turns, his gaze flicking to me. I nod, earning myself a smile before he disappears into the kitchen area.
I glare at my brother but he doesn’t say anything. Instead, he turns and enters the spare room, only to reappear minutes later, his stance is one of defeat.
“You’ve been busy,” he says, brushing a thick line of white paint dust from his jumper.
Pen motions for Elijah to take a seat on the sofa.
“Can you speak in front of Jaxson?” Elijah asks Pen.
Pen shrugs. “He’s seen what’s here. It will all come out soon enough.”
“Stop. What the hell is going on? And why are you asking Pen if she can talk?” I hiss at my brother.
Elijah and Pen clearly know more than either of them has let on. I know they were involved in the capture of Sir Leonard, but that was an accident. Elijah had pissed him off protecting April, and he exacted his revenge. Revenge, our baby sister is paying the price for.
How is Dad tied up in all this? And what does Pen know?
“Pen?” I ask, slightly surprised when she can’t meet my gaze.
Jax takes that moment to reappear, carrying a tray full of drinks.
“I can leave,” he says, taking in the atmosphere.
“Like hell,” I spit.
Elijah chuckles, and I shoot him a look that has him swallowing whatever he’s about to say.
Jax sits down next to me, taking my hand in his and squeezing it. A warmth spreads through my body, knowing he’s here, by my side.
Pen begins, her voice monotone. She tells me a fantastical tale of how she was caught hacking and, to avoid jail, was recruited by a government agency to use her skills to infiltrate various dark-web groups.
I stare at the woman I’ve called my best friend for the past eighteen years, and wonder who this stranger is.
“How was Dad involved in all this?” I whisper.
“Your father kept me out of jail. Introduced me to the group I would be working with.”
I choke on the lump that has filled my throat.
“How?”
Although I think I already know the answer.
Pen looks to Elijah, who’s turned an unhealthy shade of grey.
“Your father was also part of that same government agency.”
I lean forward and sink my head into my hands.
“He was recruited to help apprehend a group of men working outside the law. A group who were fastidious in keeping theiridentities hidden. Your father came across them unexpectedly and agreed to help.”
