Page 122 of Power of Shadow

“It means I found something. The security system on his computer is in place. And it’s bulletproof. No Zozo or anyone else is going to mess up our plans anymore. We have copies of his files.”

“Did you find anything in them?”

“I’m still working on some of it. James protects himself in several ways and never uses the same password. Unfortunately, it’s taking a while, but so far I’ve only found details of specific actions, transfers, and transports.”

I don’t understand where his sunny mood is coming from.

“So, not much. It’s not something that will scare James. He has all the important people in his pocket, and it will be the same as with our little cyber spy,” Theo interjects.

“No, no. That’s not what I mean. A completely different source is giving me something valuable. See for yourself.”

Eli pulls a photo out of his jacket pocket, unfolds it, and throws it on the desk.

Theo and I lean in to get a better look. The photo shows my father pressing a woman against the wall. He’s wearing a suit; she’s in a burgundy evening gown. His hands are pulling her waist to him; her hand rests on his shoulder. They smile at each other, sharing a secret.

“I have more, much more,” he sings. “In much more compromising circumstances and positions, if you know what I mean.”

“Who is she?” Theo asks, his eyes fixed on the beautiful, black-haired woman.

The age difference between them is huge and obvious.

“Maria Melea.” I don’t need to say anything else because everything suddenly becomes clear.

Shocked, Theo looks at me, leaning back. Eli continues to smile like the Joker.

“That Maria Melea?” Theo finally blurts out.

“The very same,” Eli and I confirm together.

“I almost thought she was a figment of someone’s imagination. I’ve heard rumors, but no one has ever seen her. How do you know what she looks like?”

“Remember when I told you once that my father had already found a bride for me? That bride is Maria,” I remind them.

“So you had to buy your way out of marrying her by killing someone—I remember that fucked-up mission. But how does Eli know about her?”

“You underestimate my skills, brother,” he jokes. “I can find anyone online.”

“Unless it’s Zoe Monroe.”

Eli stares at our friend.

Interrupting their verbal sparring, I ask, “Did my father and Maria have an affair or a onetime fling?”

“He fucked her for several months. Do you know what that means?” My irritation with Eli’s game grows. It’s as if he can’t just tell me what he knows, but wants to play riddles instead.

“War,” I add. “My father fucked his partner’s daughter, who was under lock and key, behind his back. If Ismael found out about this, he wouldn’t only cut off all supplies in one fell swoop but also wage open war against my father.”

“How she ended up in your father’s clutches is beyond me,” Theo adds.

“It doesn’t matter. The fact is, Ryker’s father is screwed. This is the leverage we’ve been looking for. In this situation, even the Pact won’t help him because he won’t find a rock in this world to crawl under and hide.”

Potential scenarios of how I can use this information immediately pop into my head. Piece by piece.

My brothers remain silent, waiting for me to speak. Meanwhile, I drift away, completely immersed in my thoughts. Until we hear a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I call out.

One of the security guards enters the office, and I know what I’m going to hear. “Mr. Elliot, we have a problem.”