“Because for now, you're useful to me."
"And who are you that I'm useful to you?"
"My father once called me son. My brother calls me Nicholas. And, at one time, my sister called me something else, but you might know me best by another name."
Another name?
I wish he'd stop toying with me. He taunts me to ask the obvious, but I'm unwilling to play his game. Our conversation is doing nothing to humanize me in his eyes. If anything, I'm accomplishing the opposite of what I need.
He bends over. His breath is hot against my nape. I shiver.
"My brother made his choice, my dear. Imagine my surprise when he chose you over Merlin."
Merlin?
A legend within the art community—the mastermind behind countless art heists dating back to the French Resistance. His name is spoken with reverence, respect, and a little bit of fear. The original modern-day Robin Hood, taking back art looted by the Nazis and returning it to its rightful owners.
A cause Paul has now assumed.
It can't be…
Paul never mentioned a father. He's an orphan, but if this man speaks the truth—Merlin and Paul?
Merlin and the Starling.
Which means…
"My brother will pay.” The Crow's voice booms through the cavernous warehouse.
"And what will happen to me?" The question escapes before I can stop it.
"I have no interest in you."
The words land like a death sentence. No ransom value. No leverage once Paul complies. Just... nothing.
My throat tightens. Somehow, that terrifies me more than any threat could have.
FOUR
Paul: Father or the Girl
I don't havesuper strength or laser eyes. I can't read minds or move objects with my thoughts, but I have something Nicholas didn't count on.
Unlike Nicholas, hatred doesn't drive me. My power comes from something stronger.
My determination to save two lives sings in my blood, and the best thief and tactician trained me. I count on Merlin to help now—which begins with ignoring his hastily scratched code.
I also have Urakov's men behind me. Not FSB soldiers, but his mob contacts. Already, those men are mobilizing. In a few hours, I'll have a small army to take Nicholas down.
All I have to do is not lose Vivianne or Merlin.
That begins by finding where Nicholas took them, except there's no way to track Vivianne. Her phone and mine were locked in the box. Only two real options exist.
Either he sequestered her someplace near Lac Léman or brought her to the chalet where he captured Merlin. The second option means Vivianne and Merlin would be close to each other.
But if Nicholas left Vivianne behind in Lac Léman, I'm two hours away from her rescue. There simply hasn't been enoughtime for Nicholas to kidnap Vivianne and then drive up the mountain to grab Merlin.
The only thing I can count on is that Merlin and Vivianne are being held close to each other.
