Page 407 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘Let’s get the fuck out of here.’

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Hiru and six others keep their guns trained on a blindfolded Roman as they march him upstairs, through the Watch and up the staircase into Riley’s room. Kade tells the six to remain below.

Lachlan and Hiru walk Roman into Riley’s bedroom.

‘In the bathroom,’ Riley says.

He retrieves a set of chains from a drawer and carries them through, fixing them to the manacles mounted on the wall.

‘Chain his feet, not his hands,’ Lachlan tells him. ‘He’ll break his thumbs to get free.’

Kade and Riley secure the chains around Roman’s ankles, then add another pair of handcuffs connecting his bound wrists to his feet, essentially hog-tying him.

When it’s done, Lachlan drags away anything Roman might be able to reach.

Hiru looks around. ‘Wow.’

‘Out.’ Riley doesn’t look at him.

Kade gives Hiru a small, reassuring wink and nod.

Lachlan pulls Roman’s blindfold off.

‘Huh. Not much of a view,’ he comments.

‘Was this you?’

‘Your new swimming pool? No, that wasn’t me, but the timing… Ooh, something’s off. You can feel it, surely.’ Roman’s smile widens. ‘Had to be someone on the inside, right?’

Kade says, ‘Tell us who.’

‘I have no idea.’

‘Bullshit, you must—’

‘He’s telling the truth,’ Riley interrupts Lachlan.

‘That’s a neat little trick, Harker. Master Penhalyx will really put your talents to work, don’t you worry.’

Riley kicks him in the ribs and walks into the bedroom. Roman laughs through a gasp, his body trying to curl around the injury but unable to move. Lachlan double-checks his restraints.

Kade follows Riley.

‘I’m sorry he has to be in here.’

‘It’s fine.’

‘This is your space.’

‘Kade.’ Riley holds his gaze, his expression gentling. ‘It really is fine.’

‘He’s so close to the Watch.’

‘Luckily for us, Troy did a great job on the doors below.’

Lachlan comes inside.