Page 473 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Kade, who fought so hard to keep Riley and Lachlan there.

Kade, who never got to see the outside of Varrow City.

Kade, who they all love.

Jules.

‘Can you bring that tank here?’ he asks Lee, who tongues her cheek.

‘I know I am outnumbered, but I must object. If I were a vote, mine would be cast to burn him now. This plan is fragile and naïve and relies too heavily upon elements entirely unproven and out of our control.’

Savannah opens the file. ‘I have proof.’

She slides a large black and white photograph across the table to Lachlan. It’s a CCTV shot, but nothing blurry or indistinct.

Riley recognises her immediately.

Cub. Mimi. Shadowsneak.

Only now she’s taller, a teenager.

Lachlan stares at it, thunderstruck.

‘How old is she?’ Riley asks softly.

‘She turned fourteen in August,’ Lachlan rasps. ‘That’s her. That’s my baby. She’s…’ He turns away, hand over his mouth. ‘I need to find her.’

‘She’s in the city,’ Savannah confirms. ‘She can’t leave.’

‘Is the bubble still intact?’

‘Yes.’

‘Because he’s still alive,’ Lachlan grinds out.

Riley says to Lee, ‘Bring the suspension tank here. Set it up and get Kade inside it. Savannah, I need whatever help you can give us securing the Tower.’

‘You have my full support and whatever resources you require.’

‘We’ll need them, thank you. Vasily, I need you to start building crews to search the city.’

‘Mr Snoop!’ he says, brightening suddenly.

Riley blinks. ‘Sorry?’

‘Or Ghostline as is officially called but I much prefer Mr Snoop.’

‘OK, and who’s that?’

‘Never mind. This can work.’

‘All right. It has to be done quietly. Whoever helped her get out will have buried them deep.’

‘I understand.’ Vasily releases a shaky breath. ‘Today may yet be a good day after all.’

‘Lachlan…’

The former bodyguard lifts his gaze to Riley’s.