“The Hoffmann Diamond was the only claim to fame the brothers had. Without it, there would only be access to the mine or some shrewd revenge scheme on the White family.”
“What would a thief want with a mine?”
“Undetected location, an easy spot to keep his stash until he’s ready to move out. The minecarts would provide decent enough transportation-
“It’s the railroad.”
The realization goes off like a spark, the rickety tracks in the distance providing the answer I was looking for, “He wants access to the underground railway system.”
“That would give him direct access to every house running along the main strip and those bordering the gated community.” Marlin pauses, “Including Drache Manor.”
The steady drip of adrenaline feeds into my veins until I’m buzzing, unable to stand still as the reality of our situation hits me.
The target. The questions. The answers.
So close to being snatched by a thief who stumbled into the wrong town.
Or the right one, depending which way you look at it.
A smile stains my lips as Christopher’s response lingers in my mind.
“And now we know what he’s going to use to trade.”
“The HoffmannDiamond.”
“Precisely.”
Ronan lets out a low growl as a silhouette slips out the front door. A tattered shirt hangs loose over his body, the lines of corded muscle peeking their way through obscene layers of ink.
Even when no one’s around, Christopher walks like a man who can fuck. Confident in stride and casual in posture, he ambles through the forest as though no one can touch him.
As though no one has evertriedto touch him.
So far, anyways.
“Evelyn White was one of your conquests, wasn’t she?”
“Conquest is a rather strong word.” Amusement laces his voice, “We fucked once, and by the time I left, she was looking sad and grey.”
“Dyed her precious hair, did you?”
“I simply borrowed her mother’s ageing potion. I was curious to see what would happen when she looked in the mirror in the morning.”
“And?”
“Like I said. Sad and grey.”
A snicker falls from my mouth, “In that case, you are overdue for a reunion. Call her up and see that she throws a party this weekend. It’s about time our devil got acquainted with the characters of this town.”
“I have neither desire nor interest to see Evelyn again.”
“It’s a simple phone call, Marlin. Unless you need me to hold your hand?”
He’s not an easy man to bait, but oh, do I enjoy baiting the man.
“My little saint will not be pleased.”
“Don’t worry.” A purr threads through my voice, “I’ll make it up to her later.”
