Just keep holding on…
Because something tells me this war is far from over.
Then…
The plan is set. And dare I say, this might actually work out.
Knock on wood.
Apparently, it’s easy to get exactly what you want when you’re Tauren Vance.
That’s that Silicon Valley money right there.
Tomorrow afternoon, the five of us are flying to New York by private jet, after which a helicopter—piloted by one of Tauren’s many connections—will bring Ren and me to Alabaster Isle.
Cy and Col wanted to come along, but naturally, Tauren shut that shit down real quick.That’s one order from Daddy that Ren and I will firmly endorse.
We have no idea what we’re walking into—orflyinginto—with this highly dangerous journey. It was stressed, heavily, to Tauren that his helicopter buddy may very well be putting himself in the line of fire justbringingus there. However, he assured us that the dude is more than qualified.
I guess he was Combat Search and Rescue for the Air Force?
I mean, shit, that’s infinitely more experience than either Ren or I have, and we’re rolling up on this island like if TMZ went to Baghdad for some reason.
Look, I’m just trying to mentally prepare myself for the worst possible outcome. In truth, we don’t have the slightest clue what the situation is on the Isle. For all we know, Trevel could’ve been talking out of his ass.
I have to assume he was being at least partially honest, since he had Joy’s phone, and we haven’t been able to reach anyone else in weeks. I tracked down numbers for Velle, Rook, Peters, and Lucas—of all people—andnot a oneof them has answered. In fact, every last number is no longer in service.
That disparaging fact, along with the knowledge that the prison walls were down, Manuel Blanco being cartel connected, and the sky-high tensions between him and Velle just before everything fell apart—literally—is making it hard to be optimistic.
But fortheirsake… For Velle, Rook, and Joy, for Felix and Lem, Jasper and Hancock, Peters and Carson… For everybodyon that island who’s never deserved to be trapped, isolated, beaten and starved, or denied due process in the United fucking States of America… Forallof usprisoners, I’ll hold out hope.
And most importantly, no matter what happens, I will dowhateverit takes to protect my fiancé during this excursion. At any cost.
Colson, Cyrus, and Tauren are packing for their impromptu vacation to the Big Apple while Ren and I take Tauren’s Benz out for a drive.
There’s one last thing I have to do before we leave California…
“Welp…” Ren shifts the car into park with a sigh. “Here we are.”
I gulp down a rough mouthful of nerves. “Uh-huh…”
He unbuckles and turns to face me in his seat. “Nervous?”
My eyes shift, meeting vibrant blue. He smirks.
“What if they… What if this is a… bad idea?” I stammer. “I just mean, like, what if they don’t… want…”
“Lexington,” he hums, taking my chin between his fingers. “You’re too smart to be doubting this. Calculate the odds, beautiful boy.”
I have to chuckle, then pout, because he’s just the most perfectly imperfect thing ever made.
My calming rush.
“I love you, firestarter.” I lean in to kiss him softly, and he runs his finger up the tattoo on my side.
The one he gave me, in Alabaster Pen. The permanent mark he put on my skin, though he’dlongsince been etched on my insides.
“Ones and zeros, baby.” He winks.
