“Give it back.” I pant each word.
“It's not doing any good on your useless neck.” Gideon turns and takes a seat in front of me, next to his table of toys.
“I'm going to tell you a story.” Gideon takes a sip of his coffee like he's at lunch with an associate. “The original Ward heir, was insufferable. He was absolutely useless, just like his father. It was such a surprise when I discovered Tex and how well adjusted he seemed to be.”
He takes another sip.
“So, in order to get him here, I took care of the original heir. David wasn't pleased, but he didn't want to lose his status in the guild, so he accepted Tex in name.”
Gideon sighs.
“He was supposed to get information. But you compromised him.” Gideon shook his head. “So he had to go too.”
A tear slides down my cheek. Gideon’s eyes gleam when he sees it.
“Ah, yes, I've heard you love him or something ridiculous like that. Oh, I’m sorry. Loved. How unfortunate.” Gideon chuckles.
“I'm going to kill you.“ I hiss out.
“Good luck with that.” Gideon waves a hand. “You'll likely die here when my plans are finally set to be enacted. Meanwhile, your stepfather is quite impressive. He's rather useful. He seemed to take my proposal like a fish to water.”
An icy chill runs down my spine.
“Who knew just eliminating the Ward heir would whip Jace in shape. I thought having him around would push Jace, but I can see now it hindered him. Alas, it's no longer an issue.”
I swear to all and any gods that are listening that I will survive long enough to get out of here. If there’s anything I know how to do, it’s survive. I need to get something useful.
“What is your plan?” I ask.
Gideon claps his hands.
“Oh, I’m so glad you asked.” He sets his cup down, standing up and begins to pace.
“Doubt is spreading. I mean, who loses their daughter twice? How competent can he really be to run an entire Guild if he can’t keep track of his daughter?” He laughs.
“As I whisper into people’s ears, it’s spreading like wildfire. I’m gathering their favor, gaining support. When I finally challenge him, I’ll be the one with the backing of the Guild. Not him.” He sighs, a dreamy look in his eye.
“What does that have to do with Daniel?” I try to swallow, my tongue feels stuck.
“Ah, yes. As missions are ongoing, targeting him, I’ve had my insiders sabotage these missions. So as missions continue to fail. More doubt is amassing. All the while I provide Daniel the resources to do my bidding. No need to get my hands dirty if he can do it for me.”
Gideon shrugs as he lifts a knife from his table. The blade glints in the light. My stomach lurches.
“Though I do like getting some blood on my hands. It really makes one feel…alive.” He smiles as he slices across my stomach.
“Isobel,” Luca’s voice filters in. “Iz, wake up.”
I jerk. Luca’s brown eyes are the first thing I see.
“Hey, hey,” he whispers, “You’re okay.” He rubs his hands up and down my arms. The heat grounds me, slowing my pulse.
I’m sitting in a plastic chair placed in the back of the interrogation viewing room. I must’ve dozed off waiting for the others.
I tilt my head back to look up at the ceiling, blowing air through my lips.
“What do you need?” Luca’s voice is low.
I need Tex’s ring. But that’s not his problem.
