Page 194 of The Unravelings

And I don’t fucking like what I’m seeing.

I take several calming breaths and detach from the situation. If Jonathan wants to scream and yell, then he can. But I won’t take it lying down.

“I didn’t lose them, Agent Zero. I have my glasses right here.” There’s something inside me, yelling at me not to tell Jonathan the whole truth. To keep things from him. Especially when he glares at the glasses and then back at me.

“So, you got them back. Is that why you were out all night with Malic Monroe?” He cocks his head angrily. “I didn’t send you to this fucking school to spread your legs! I sent you here to earn your fucking revenge and take down that shitbag that started this all!” he shouts again, this time getting louder. I have no doubt that my roommate is getting a front-row seat to the absolute shitshow going on in here.

I reel back as if he slapped me and stare at him as if I’ve never seen him before in my life.

This is not him. This is not the way he talks to me. Spread my legs? Not once has Jonathan chastised me for going to a bar, meeting someone, and having a little fun. In fact, if it were for the good of the case, he’d encourage it. Like this one. Not that I’ve done it very often. Fuck. I was in a drought when I first met Malic and had been for quite some time. Because I’m loyal. Addicted to my cases and doing the right thing for Veritas.

Jonathan takes a deep breath and resets himself. “I’m sorry, Liv,” he says softly, moving toward me, but I step back, watching him warily. He stares at the distance between us and shakes his head. “I apologize for that outburst. It was unnecessary and cruel.” Sucking in a breath, he puts a hand on my shoulder and gently squeezes. “That was the worry coming out. I was worried because you haven’t been responding. You didn’t do your notes last night like you usually do. I thought maybe something happened to you. That Franco got to you again. Sending you here was a big step for me. I was so afraid for you.” There’s a tightness in his voice that doesn’t match the softness of his face as he looks me dead in the eyes while squeezing my shoulder harder than necessary.

“Uh, yeah. It’s okay, Agent Zero,” I say, lifting my chin slightly and meeting his hardening gaze with my own. I’m not stupid, but I know how to preserve my damn life.

He nods a few times and takes a step back. “Good. So, have you been able to find anything else out on JJ and his little crew? You’ve been here for quite some time. I would expect some sort of progress right now.”

I watch him carefully with a fresh warning ringing in my mind. A warning that says, I’m in fucking danger right now, and need to watch what I’m saying in front of Jonathan. Even though he’s my superior. I need to bite my tongue to save my life, but also not let him get wind of what I’m thinking. He could haul me straight to Veritas jail at any time if he wants to.

“Uh, I’m working on it,” I say as confidently as I can, reaching under my pillow and pulling out the initiation invitation. “It’s happening soon,” I say, handing it to him. “And I secured the invitation. That will get me with Franco.”

Jonathan looks at it for a long time, reading the words over and over again. A satisfied smile crosses his lips, and he visibly lights up. “Well, I’ll be damned. You did it, didn’t you? Was your newest informant any help?”

“Yes. He was a lot of help in securing that,” I carefully say, not wanting to give him too much information on JJ. He has been my ally since the moment he found out who I was. Something I never thought I’d get the chance to see again. My JJ, becoming the man he is today and slowly erasing the memories of the murder his lookalike participated in into something positive.

“Good, good. This is all good news, Liv,” he says, nodding a few times while staring at the invitation. “Make sure your glasses are charged and on your face for the initiations.” He gives me a stern look. “Or I’ll be back, and our conversations won’t be so pleasant.”

Weird. He calls this conversation pleasant? It wasn’t pleasant at all. Because there’s something there. Something I’ve seen in the multitude of people I’ve talked to undercover for the last five years.

Jonathan Viotto is hiding something. What is it? I have no fucking clue. I’d have to dive deeper into who he is now and who he was a long time ago.

“Yes, Agent Zero,” I say stiffly, taking the invitation back from him and hiding it under my pillow. “Other than that, sir. I’ve been looking into the various crimes happening around Greenwood. They’re pretty horrendous.” I shudder at the thought of all those innocent people dying at the hands of… Well, I don’t know. I strongly suspect Franco. Although JJ denies that he would ever get into that sort of industry. That leaves this mysterious Shades leader that no one has ever seen. Only Malic and Wilder seem to have an in with him. But also, there are a million other criminals now living on campus with huge connections. It could be anyone.

“Ah, yes. Your notes on the subject were quite fascinating. Bodies with missing organs.” He frowns, rubbing his chin again. “Any new leads?”

I shake my head. “None, sir. Whoever is in charge of doing it is doing it very stealthily. They aren’t leaving many clues behind.” Which is true. Only the bodies are left behind.

“Franco was always good at hiding his crimes from the authorities,” he says confidently. “That bastard is going to take out this entire town before you have a chance to get into the middle of it.” Jonathan grits his teeth. “He’s way too dangerous and volatile to continue. And now, he’s running for mayor?” He shakes his head. “He’s attempting to make his mark on Greenwood. More than he already has. He will have this town right in the palm of his hand if he continues down this trajectory.”

“Agreed,” I reply quickly. “It’s odd for him to do that, right? To try to step into such a prestigious role and become someone this place needs?” Actually, it doesn’t surprise me at all. Even though he’s a criminal, everyone in Greenwood knows who he is, but not exactly what he’s up to. Sure, they see him as someone who owns the casinos and provides numerous jobs to the area. They look up to him despite his gang-leader persona. Not to mention how charismatic he is with everyone. Whoever runs against him in the mayoral race won’t stand a damn chance.

Then, he’ll have all the power over everyone.

“Franco wants the spotlight. He wants the power,” Jonathan says, rubbing his temple. “It’s the perfect opportunity for him to snatch up Greenwood and make it what he wants. He could potentially control every aspect. The chief of police and what they investigate. He could open more casinos and expand his businesses. If Franco becomes mayor, he’ll turn Greenwood into what he’s always wanted it to be. A hotspot for criminals, and there wouldn’t be a punishment for them,” Jonathan rants, waving his arms around.

“That sounds like exactly what he wants.” I frown. “Is this going to be a new part of my job? Now that we know what he’s up to?”

Jonathan tilts his head. “Of course, keep an eye on him and his heirs. You know, they’re all up to something. This organ-stealing has Franco’s name all over it. Don’t trust them, Liv. Use them as they used you. Like you’ve been doing with JJ. That invitation is your key to the kingdom. After you’ve secured your role within his organization, then we can discuss the second step.”

“Yes, Agent Zero. I understand. I will continue down the original case and give my all to bring that asshole down.” And that’s not a lie. Franco deserves to be brought to justice, whether it’s rotting in Veritas prison or having his life cut short—he deserves to be taken down. For me. For my mother and sister. For the way he’s used this town and its citizens to get what he wants. “I’ll also continue looking into the missing people and the organ harvesting.”

Jonathan nods his approval. “I expect nothing less from you, Agent Seven. You’re my best agent and the best person for this job. You understand? I know you’ll bring those dicks down to where they belong. No matter how much you might be fucking up right now, I believe in you.”

“Of course, Agent Zero,” I say, pulling my shoulders back as he looks me over again.

“Good. I’m glad we have that all settled. I had better be off, then.” He checks his phone quickly, types something out, and sighs. “Well, duty calls. You aren’t the only agent getting into her fair share of trouble with the big boss.” He shakes his head quickly, taking three long strides toward my door with the intent to leave.

“Agent Zero?” I blurt.