“Fuck off, Lev. Do you want what I have or not,” he snaps. His voice is almost identical to his brother’s. Most people wouldn’t be able to tell them apart, but where Cooper’s tone is curt, Colter’s is beguiling, making for different inflections on certain words.
Huffing a laugh, I reply, “What did Eva do anyway that has you two so out of sorts and investing this much energy into her?”
“Shedidn’t— her brother did, and she’s going to pay his penance. Now stop asking fucking questions about shit that doesn’t concern you,” he orders.
I’d argue with him, but I understand what it’s like to want people to stay out of your business.
Clearing my throat, I ask what he’s found, and he sends over a doc that confirms my earlier reaction— Madeline. We’ve found her.
I mumble my thanks, disconnect the call, and text the group chat.
Me: HW’s been found.
We call Madeline the Huntswoman, HW, since she’s like a hunter for the evil queen inSnow White. It’s a nice play on words in case someone’s dumb enough to try to hack our shit.
It doesn’t take long for the chat to indicate responses are imminent.
Wy: Good shit. This lead was a bust.
Wes: Finally. What’s the plan?
O: ?? ?? ??
I snort at Owen’s response—he’s going home to get all his girls.
Me: ?? ?? ?? O, seriously?
O: Sharpening Lizzie and the girls as we speak.
Seb: Ariah’s asleep. Should I leave now?
Wes: Did you have to get on your hands and knees?
Seb: Fuck off.
Wyatt: I hope she made you lick the ground or some shit. You deserve it, dick.
Seb: ?? No assholes. But I did try to explain….I’ll tell you later.
Me: Focus...we have HW!
Wes: Are we grabbing her now?
Me: I called in King.
That has my phone ringing— a video call.
“You called in the crazy Russian fuck?” Wes gapes.
I shrug, “King needs information on his uncle. I found it. So, he’ll grab Madeline in exchange. She won’t expect him.”
“Hopefully, she doesn’t say something to make him kill her before he delivers,” Wyatt states.
When Madeline was Lydia, she had a mouth on her. We should’ve noticed the change. Lydia was quiet, but we chalked the change in behavior to the Selection. She wasn’t a big fan of what was happening and was vocal about it before she was murdered, and Madeline took her place.
“How long before he grabs her?” Owen inquires.
“King is on it already. I’ll have an update soon.”
