“You know.”
“I just heard, Mémé.”
“You’ve been keeping secrets.”
“I’ve been trying to keep the peace.”
“They want justice and order restored immediately, understand? There’s no time to be wasted. You’d best come up with a good plan, cher.”
“I will, Mémé.”
“The local council members are gathering to meet with you. It’s best to keep it that way. You get us all together, and things get uglier.”
I close my eyes. “I understand, Mémé.” We hang up, and I slip out of bed, leaving the girls to sleep. No need to wake them just yet.
I dress to impress in a pair of black leather pants, black booties, and a V-neck lace camisole I tuck in and pair with a lightweight black leather jacket. I add diamond earrings and a tennis bracelet before I slip off my ring and place it into the ring box. I take my time doing my make-up and hair. Stepping back, I admire the presentation. I look put together. I’m a wrecked, terrified, and slightly panicked mess on the inside. But the outside is fierce.
My heels click on the marble in the bathroom as I make my way to the bedroom to deliver the bad news.
“Wait. What?” Sacha croaks as she rubs her eyes.
“I don’t know the details yet, but I’m headed downstairs to find out. I think your families tried to call you earlier. I know I already talked to Mémé. The local council members are assembling to meet with us this morning.”
“What are you going to do?” Fel whispers.
“I’m not sure, but we’re working on it. We sent a crew back out to the cave to document what we found. I know this is a lot to ask, but are you willing to say we took this case? I’ll take the fall for keeping it a secret.”
“It makes sense. How could you involve them when you had no idea who you could trust?” Sacha says.
I nod. “That was my thought.”
“They’ll want to see it,” Fel cautions.
“I know.” The thought of others rooting around in my brain makes me feel violated. “I don’t plan on lying, just editing my memories, and omitting. Lots of omitting.”
“Against council members, though?” Sacha asks.
“We’re going to find out how strong I actually am.”
“If you’re caught—” Sacha grabs my arm.
I place my hand over hers.“What other choice do I have?”
They shake their heads. “None.” Sacha releases me.
“Exactly. I’m going to join the others. You two are welcome to anything in my closet.”
; The walk downstairs is lonely and long. I find everyone close together, speaking in hushed voices.
I come to stand beside Cristobal. “What’s wrong?”
“The cave has been cleansed,” Cristobal says. He twines our fingers and squeezes gently.“It’ll be my word against evidence,” I whisper.
He gives a tight nod.
“Zephirin Dupeux will be dying to mention the incident at their nightclub, which will only work in our favor. As far as everyone here is concerned, this started then. Not before.”