City of Embers by Elizabeth Chance

Author:Elizabeth Chance
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery thriller series
Publisher: Reflective Line Publishing
Published: 2023-05-22T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE: IT’S HARD TO TELL

Souther cleared his throat as Theodore stared at him with wide eyes that failed to hide his admiration (or was it horror?). He knew from Veronica that Theodore wouldn’t be as willing to trust him as she had but he couldn’t ignore the benefits that would arise from combining their differing skill sets.

“This is why I have come directly to you, Royston. I’ve heard from Williams about your involvement in Elissa’s recovery and I wanted to thank you.”

Theodore was taken aback at how much Veronica had revealed, shooting her a pained look as he knew there would be no use denying anything she had said. He didn’t know the circumstances of the information exchange, after all, so he decided to show at least some faith in her decisions.

“Thank me? You let Elissa jump out of a second-storey window!”

“If I hadn’t, she would not have won her freedom.”

“What about her shoulder? Did that help her ‘win freedom’?”

“Absolutely. I didn’t expect her to take the knife out – that was the most dangerous part of it – but by proving she had been injured by me I was able to cover my involvement.”

“So it’s true? You really did it to save her life?”

Souther simply nodded as Theodore slumped in a chair, overwhelmed by the information he had been given. Veronica didn’t seem to be affected at all and he wondered how long she had known.

“He saved our lives as well,” she corrected, busying herself in the kitchenette to grab drinks for the three of them. She didn’t dare reveal Elissa and Diavolos’s presence unless it was completely necessary.

“At the Pine Pot, I know,” Theodore sighed, gently massaging his ribs as they ached in protest. He had given a lot of thought to recruiting the Chief but now that the opportunity was in front of him he couldn’t help but scrutinize it – it was too convenient and had required far too little effort to let him view it with anything other than displeasure.

“I was only there by a combination of luck on my part and stupidity on yours,” the Chief commented. “But I do need to remind you that going after someone like Antonio requires a plan, not just a spur-of-the-moment lashing out.”

Theodore eyed the resolve in Souther’s face, unsure about his sudden eagerness to reveal the truth and (he had to admit) a little hurt by the insinuation that he was some hot-headed punk who had wanted to fight Antonio and his gang.

They both took the coffee Veronica offered, Theodore unfazed by the way his glasses steamed up when he took a sip.

“Theo, I really think we should listen to what the Chief says. He’s—”

“With all due respect,” Theodore interrupted, not even trying to hide his cynicism as he looked past her. “Aren’t you supposed to be on Antonio’s side? If you really are involved in the Syndicate, then surely you’d—”

“I’d think twice about putting us in the same league, Royston. I despise the man as much as you do.

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