Finally, a click. “Emily Davis, where the hell—?”
The voice that cuts me off isn’t Em’s. It’s low, gravelly, vaguely familiar in a way that makes my skin crawl.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the prodigal daughter.”
My grip on the phone tightens. “Who the fuck is this? Where’s Em?”
A chuckle, dry as bones. “Now, now, Wren. Is that any way to talk to yourold friend?”
“Old friend?” I repeat. My jaw clenches.
Where the fuck have I heard that voice before?
I rack my brain, trying to place it.
Think, goddamnit! Who is this bitch?
My eyes dart around the bustling airport, suddenly aware of how exposed I am. A family rushes past, luggage clattering behind them.
The voice on the phone oozes false warmth. “Oh, Wren. I’m hurt. After all we’ve been through together, how could you forget?”
My stomach lurches. That voice. That fucking voice.
“Elena,” I growl, my fingers white-knuckled around the phone. “What the fuck have you done with Em?”
A low chuckle crackles through the speaker. “Oh, come on. Be nice. I remember you,Wren. Every. Single. Day.”
I’m about to lose my shit. Eyes seem to be glued to me like I’m a goddamn freak show, waiting for me to explode like a volcano. Rage seethes through me, my breath catching in my throat like a damn fly in a spiderweb. I need a quiet corner, a place where I can let loose and unleash my fury without an audience. I duck into a quieter corner, pressing my back against the cold wall.
“Cut the bullshit. Where’s my sister?”
“Your sister? Oh, you mean the pretty little thing with those big, scared eyes?” Elena’s tone turns icy. “She’s safe. For now.”
I lower my voice to a hissing whisper. “Go fuck yourself with a rusty chainsaw and then drown in your own goddamn blood,” I snarl, pacing the small corner I’ve claimed. My free hand curls into a fist, nails biting into my palm. “I swear to God, if you’ve hurt her—”
“You’ll what?” Elena interrupts, her voice laced with amusement. “Come after me? Cry to Daddy? Oh wait, you can’t. Because he’s here with us, reaping what he’s sown.”
I freeze. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
“Your deadbeat dad thought he could play with the big boys. Tried to go into ‘business’ with us.” Her voice drips with disdain. “But dear old Dad couldn’t keep his sticky fingers out of the pot. Stole from us, can you believe it?”
My stomach drops. That stupid, selfish bastard. “He… what?”
“Mmhmm. Thought he could outsmart the Skull Collector. As if.” Elena’s tone turns sickeningly sweet. “Now he’s paying the price. And so is your precious little Em.”
I slam my fist into the wall, ignoring the pain that shoots up my arm. “You fucking cunt! Em has nothing to do with this!”
“Language, Wren. Tsk tsk,” Elena tuts. “Your sister’s involvement is collateral damage. Just like you were supposed to be.”
My blood runs cold. “What?”
“Oh yes. Daddy Dearest offered his prettiest daughter up as payment for his debt.”
I can’t breathe. The world spins around me as I struggle to process her words.
Chill the fuck out, Wren. She’s yanking your chain.
I press my forehead against the wall, eyes squeezed shut. “Tell me what the fuck do you want, Elena?”
