Page 326 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘France.’

‘Family stuff?’

‘Hm. Everything you need is in there.’

‘All right, thank you.’

‘You look terrible.’ She steps away from the massive double doors. ‘You really should get some sleep, Lachlan.’

‘God willing.’

‘There is no God,’ Jolene chuckles as she walks away. ‘Only water.’

Lachlan freezes.

She doesn’t notice.

‘Stay hydrated and go to bed earlier. I’ll see you soon.’

Jolene continues down the drive.

Lachlan remains in the doorway, holding the box.

There is no God, only water.

Blaire’s words.

Then he blinks hard, brought to one conclusion only.

And a new kind of fear begins to blossom.

✴

Blaire is out.

She’s not at the Estate.

Lachlan tries calling her, but there’s no answer.

‘What’s wrong?’ Danya asks when he finds him in Blaire’s bedroom, causing abject chaos. ‘Lachlan, what the fuck are you doing?’

‘Going through her things.’

‘Why are you doing that?’

‘I’m searching.’

‘For what?’

Lachlan drops the drawer, underwear spilling like silk scarves from a backfired magic trick as he whirls around to face Danya.

‘How do you know Jolene Mercer?’

‘What?’

‘You contacted her to locate Sable Key.’

‘I back-traced your contact, you know that.’