She’s grown up in this world, and even though I’d like to pretend otherwise, I can’t overlook the fact that she knows what to look for, learning how to navigate survival in a labyrinth of violence and chaos.
Olivia knows the warning signs like the back of her hand, and the thought sends another chill racing up my spine.
Who else has put the pieces together?
I clear my throat. “Let’s say you’re right—”
“I am,” Olivia interrupts after a quick look at the door that I left ajar. She inches closer and drops her voice to a whisper. “Everyone here knows it, too. TheyletMason walk away because they wanted to send a message. Killing him ensures their victory.”
I search Olivia’s face. “But it means they’ll have another war on their hands, with the people loyal to the Paynes.”
Olivia offers me a grim smile. “Yes.”
I take a step back. “Okay, so assuming I agree, and I’m not saying I do… How do we help?”
Olivia draws herself up to her full height and tilts her head, her bright eyes moving over me intently. “I already told you what needs to be done. I can’t use any of my old channels to reach out. Mason is watching too closely. Besides, if the wrong people intercept the message and find out it’s me, it would be catastrophic, soyouneed to—”
I hold up a hand. “Won’t it be just as bad if I send a message? I’m not a Payne, but they know what I mean to Mason. They know what we….”
I trail off, the knots in my stomach tightening.
I don’t think Olivia has thought any of this through, and her desperation and eagerness to help has blinded her.
But I don’t know her well enough to mention any of this.
Olivia sighs. “Someone else will be delivering the messages. You just need to pass them along somewhere public. You can even wear a disguise if it’ll make you feel better.”
I dig my nails into my palms. “Olivia, I really think we should go to Mason with this. Now that everything has changed, I’m sure he’d be more willing to listen.”
“If anything,” Olivia says, “the direct attack will make him more stubborn. He’s going to increase security and probably send us into lockdown. No one is going in or out.”
“Let me try talking to him then,” I say. “He’ll listen to me.”
Or at least I hope he does.
As much as I hate to admit it, Olivia’s words have struck a chord.
I have to do something.
Calling in favors with other families and tailing our enemies isn’t getting us anywhere.
We’re running out of time. If the Payne Empire were razed, it would offer Mason and me a fresh start, but I know it won’t be that simple.
A Payne without his empire would be fodder for the masses, a sitting duck for anyone within five miles, and that’s assuming he survives.
You know damn well that if they don’t get their hands on him while trying to rip apart the empire, they won’t stop there. Mason is too dangerous to be left alive, especially when he can rebuild in the shadows and come back to challenge them.
Mason does not give up easily, a trait I love and dread in equal measure.
Olivia places one hand on either side of my shoulders and waits for me to meet her gaze. “London, listen to me. I know you love my brother, and I know you’re trying to help, but you cannot go to him.”
“But I—”
“No.” Olivia’s nails dig into my arms. “You don’t understand how bad it would be if he got involved. It would put him further at risk. You don’t want to do that, do you?”
My mouth is very dry as I shake my head. “No.”
Olivia releases me. “For this to work, you’re going to have to trust me. Can you do that?”
