The intruder seems to be in his early thirties.
‘He’s secure,’ Mara informs him.
Kade nods.‘Give us the room.’
They all leave, closing the heavy door behind them.
Riley is safely supervising from up in the Watch.
Kade is taking the lead.
Lachlan Tanner looks around.‘What’s this?’
‘We call it theDrowner.’
A weird little smile crosses his face.‘Of course you do.’
‘I’m going to ask you questions now, Tanner.’
‘Lachlan.I need to ask you questions too, though.’
‘Why don’t we trade, then?One for one.’
‘Sounds good.’
Kade has no intention of giving this fucker information, but he’s good at evading questioning.Luca calls himslippery.
‘I’ll start,’ Kade says.‘Why did you come here?’
‘To enact justice for what happened seven years ago.’
‘What happened seven—?’
‘My turn.’Kade falls quiet, allows it.Lachlan is watching him like a hawk.‘Do you have a memory gap?’
‘I’ve lost time from a knock, yeah.’
‘No, not a few days from a minor head injury.Answer my question.Do you have a memory gap, yes or no?’
The decisive authority in his voice sends something coldandwarm running down Kade’s spine, twin sensations that render him briefly confused.‘Yes, I do.What happened seven years ago?’
‘Jules and Mimi Penhalyx were kidnapped and ransomed by Iron Star.The rescue attempt backfired.Both were killed.Their bodyguard went to prison for manslaughter.’
Kade narrows his eyes.‘Youwere the bodyguard?’
‘I was.’
‘How long did you serve?’
‘Seven years.’
‘Wait, you thinkI’m—?’
‘My turn, Kade.’The use of the name feels weirdly personal.‘Tell me your earliest memory.’
‘That’s not your business.’
‘Youare my business.’
