Page 9 of Forbidden Fate

Blood.

I reach into my kit, pull out a small vial, and carefully scrape a sample of the blood into it.

Who would leave without cleaning? Only a sloppy amateur.

Or…

Someone who wanted me—or Reyes—to find it.

I finish casing the house and then go out to the car to get Reyes.

Once inside, Reyes sinks into a chair, rubbing his wrists. He’s not shaken. Not really. Men like him don’t break that easily.

I hand the vial of blood to Reyes. “Blood. On the safe in a bedroom closet.”

He takes it and a slow smile spreads across his face. “Now that,” he says softly, “is useful.”

I don’t ask.

He explains anyway.

“I can lure him back.” Reyes turns the vial in his fingers. “Make him think I have something he wants. Something he needs to keep buried.”

“Who?”

“Hawk Bellamy.”

“So it was him who abducted you.” Good to know Boss’s intel was on the money. Not that I ever doubted it.

“You’ll draw him out,” I say.

He nods. “And when I do, I can take back control.”

I resist an eye roll. Of course he talks about control. Men like Reyes always do.

I don’t argue. It’s not my job. Instead I pull out my phone again and send the image. Then I type a short message.

Recovered. Alive. Mark confirmed. Coordinates not useful. Found in barn where previous assignment occurred. Blood sample obtained at Reyes home. Reyes intends to lure Bellamy using leverage.

I hit send.

The reply comes through almost immediately.

Good work.

No further instructions.

But I don’t need more because I know what Boss means.

He’ll handle the rest.

He always does.

5

ROBIN

I shouldn’t go alone.