“This warehouse you mention, is it operating?” I ask, looking up from the map at Ri.
She shakes her head. “No, not anymore. Some months back, the Order busted the illegal gambling parlor that a prominent Caligos family was running. Since then, it hasn’t been officially operating. It’s been used as a safe house or storehouse by another Caligos family.”
I swallow hard. “I was there, during the raid that took Gloria Esclar and her family down. Which family took over?”
“Talbots,” Ri says.
For a moment, I feel like I’m falling. Of course, of course.
Now it makes all the sense. Why Daegel charged into the middle of our mission, so eager to take out Gloria and her brothers. To ensure Ezkai seize the warehouse.
He said all of it was for me. When in reality, all of it was to aid his family’s dirty business.
Vera’s hand lands on my forearm, which snaps me out of my thoughts. “Are you okay?”
I clear my throat and force the words out. “Yes, I’m fine. I know that warehouse well, the layout and all the entrances and exits. That may help us get in and out easier.”
Vera nods. “That’s great news. It’ll be invaluable help.”
“That doesn’t take care of our issue of getting the carriages safely into that area and then getting them out with kids loaded,” Ri says wryly.
Vera nods, humming. “That’s true. We need to brainstorm all possible plans.”
And so we do.
For the next two hours, all five of us around the table wrack our brains to come up with a million plans and strategies to get in and out of that area of Kozem safely.
Jax is the one who comes up with an unconventional, but useful, idea.
“I don’t like it,” Vera says. “Her reputation precedes her, and not in a good way.”
“I know it doesn’t sound very safe, but trust me, Madame Mercy will help and she’ll be discreet about it,” Jax says. “She owes me a favor. And she detests Caligos.”
“But she’s still a criminal,” Ri says, shaking her head. “And an outsider. If the word gets out about this…if anyone senses Vera’s the Savage King…”
“Nobody will put two and two together,” Jax says. “I’ll ask for her help without giving details of what we’re doing. She only has to grant us safe passage to that area and make sure nobody ambushes us.”
Vera considers his offer for a long while. Finally, she says, “It’s worth the risk. Jax, get this woman to helps us get in and out freely.”
Jax grins. “You got it, boss.” His smile falls and he scratches the back of his head. “Oh, while she does owe me a favor, she’ll probably ask for a fee.”
I roll my eyes, but Vera only chuckles and says, “Of course she will. Nothing in this life comes for free.”
Once we settle on the last details, the three of us rise to leave. Before we head back into the dark corridor, Vera pulls me to the side.
“Tonight, I trusted you with something that’s the most important thing in my life. That’s worth everything to me. I hope your heart doesn’t betray me, Phoenix,” she says.
She doesn’t have to spell it out for me—I know what she means. She trusts me not to rat her out to Daegel.
“Vera, you can trust me on this. Your secret is safe with me.”
She nods. “Thank you. Now, do you understand why passing this bill I asked you to pass, one that Kitajo worked to pass, is so important?”
“I do, Vera,” I say, determined. “I do.”
“Good. Remember that when you fight for your life during the Trial of Strength. And think about what happens if you lose.”
CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE
