My stomach did a sickening whirl.
“The authorities aren’t aware that there were two killers,” Bastian said. “Ed admitted to me that he had a partner, but refused to reveal his identity.”
Nash leaned forward. “That’s why you’ve had me and the security team pulling intel on the RRK.”
Bastian nodded. “And now, this accomplice has killed in Las Vegas.” He looked at his friends. “And he’s targeting Lark.”
I sat quietly as Bastian ran them through all the details and showed them pictures from the crime scene.
“What can we do to help?” Landon asked.
A weird sensation wormed through me. I realized that it was envy. Bastian’s friends didn’t hesitate to offer him their help.
I’d never had anyone like that in my life.
“Nash and his team are already pulling info,” Bastian said. “Our top priority is to find out who the hell this fucker is and stop him.”
“You have no idea of his identity?” Nash asked.
I shook my head. “I’m trawling through all of Ed’s files. Looking for any clues.”
“Whatever you need,” Landon said. “Just ask.”
“You find this man, and we’ll help you take him down,” Alessio added.
The others all nodded, and I felt that pulse of envy again.
Nash rose. “Well, I guess we’ll leave you to it.” He eyed me and I held his gaze. “I assume Lark is…staying here while you’re working on this.”
“Yes,” Bastian answered.
“Don’t worry, Oakley.” I shot him a smirk. “It won’t be forever.”
The man grunted. “I’ll see you later.”
The others rose. With nods and murmurs, Bastian’s friends left.
“I’m not sure your friends like me,” I murmured.
“They will, once they get to know you.”
I kept my snort silent. I wasn’t going to be around long enough for that to happen. Leaning forward, I touched the computer and the browser I had open popped up. It showed the latest news article about the recent murder. Included was a photo of a smiling Tawnee with her arms wrapped around Jeff’s middle.
My gut cramped. They were so young. Beside that image was a picture of two sobbing, older couples. Their parents.God.
“You looked up the victims,” he said quietly.
My throat tightened. “I wanted to know more about them.” Suddenly, I couldn’t sit still. I leaped up. “Another family ripped apart. Two families.”
Bastian watched me, setting his wine glass down. “Life isn’t always easy, Lark. You know that. Everyone has their tragedies and obstacles.”
I stabbed a finger at the laptop. “That couple, they were nice people. They were young with their whole life ahead of them.” Just like my parents. “They shouldn’t have died,” I yelled. “Whoever this piece of shit is, I’m going to take him down.”
“And I’ll help you.”
They were quiet words, spoken with a firm tone. Something inside me stirred. I wasn’t used to having someone I could count on. I’d been taught to rely only on myself.
Bastian’s sharp gaze stayed on me. “Is this where you tell me that you don’t need help?”
