Page 62 of Cops and Robbers

“But why all the theatrics only to turn around and give it up?” Matsuda asked. “What’s your game?”

“Ohh…” She held her hand over her heart to add to the theatrics. “It’s not a game at all. Except it gave me an audience with you.”

She hadn’t thought he would stoop to watching a Hackers Gala. Something worth his time must have grabbed his attention, as he was a man who wanted all the time in the world. Enough that he had found himself a Fallen who could grant miracles. Her heart crushed under the idea that he was using Naomi to extend his life.

“Why did you want to meet with me?” he asked.

“Because I can provide you with top-dollar hacking services. Why should I go through the middleman when I can deal directly with the money?” A trick he had taught her himself.

His lips crinkled, revealing a wicked smirk, and her heart squeezed painfully tight. “I respect that. You risked garnering enemies.”

“I hoped you both would curb Mrs. Sinclair’s temper for the information I possess.”

He snorted before he looked past the camera. A garbled whisper from someone off his screen tightened Matsuda’s face, hard lines forming and eyebrows drawing together. “Deal with the information exchange among yourselves. Elizabeth. I will be in touch.”

I hope not.

The feed turned black. Ziegler’s arms crossed his chest. His demeanor changed, dripping with sex appeal aimed at Kate. He liked bold women, so that wasn’t a surprise. “Seriously? You have Matsuda’s thug tied to your arm? That’s why I thought I recognized him. Why take the risk for Matsuda?”

Right. Matsuda knew Jack personally, which meant he wasn’t just a lackey; he was high up in the ranks. Where their arms were linked, sweat accumulated. “To prove I’m worth his time.”

“Spoken like someone who knows Matsuda.”

He had no idea.

“So where is my information?” Ziegler came around the bar and stood between her and the door.

“Waiting for you in an email.”

His mouth gaped before he let out a long laugh. “You are something else. Now, about this prize…”

“Sinclair can have it—as my condolences for her equipment. I got what I came here for. Am I free to go?”

He waved toward the exit. “Be my guest.”

As she and Caige walked by, Ziegler placed a hand on her shoulder. She recoiled on the inside.

“You play a dangerous game, Elizabeth,” he said. “Don’t get too cocky.”

She shook off his grip and leaned into his ear. “There’s never been a cock I can’t handle.”

As Kate walked with Caige away from Ziegler’s office, she dropped her arm from his and beelined to the main door—the only way out. Adrenaline lacing her bones, dread weakening her stomach, she strode through the masses. Caige stayed at her back, the prickling discomfort creeping up her neck.

Caige grabbed her elbow and steered her toward the closest bar lined with shots. Probably a peace offering to keep the crowd calm as Ziegler sorted out the situation.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

“Let’s not make a run for it,” Caige said. “Our ride isn’t here. Do you want to explain what happened back there? You know Matsuda far more intimately than you let on.”

Anger clogged her throat. She took a glass and tossed it back. Vodka burned from her esophagus to her stomach but did nothing to calm her mood. “You’re one to talk, Jack. Just how far up are you?”

“I’m only a general.”

Considering Matsuda only kept six at a time, he was high on the food chain with only four people above him. Did he ever cross Midnight’s path? Her soul stung. Surely not, or he wouldn’t have let the team believe Kate was her.

“But I’m not the one the team needs to worry about.” His heated whisper stung her neck.

“Lay off her, Caige,” Raz snapped across the Micron Ear.