“Thank you,” I whisper, closing my eyes as the garage door shuts.
Christos gets behind the wheel with Esteban in the front seat. Talon slides into the back with me on his lap, holding me close and not letting me go.
I thought we had won.
I thought this was all going to be over.
I should’ve known better. There’s only one way things can truly end in my favor.
I must kill the king of the Looking Glass.
It’s only with his death that we’ll ever escape his demented reign.
27
The Summons
“Ialwaysknewthatdouchebag was a psycho. If you look at the clip again, you can tell how calculated his actions are.”
I swipe my finger across the screen, sending another social media influencer’s speculation into the oblivion of the internet. It’s all that I see online, on TV, and even on the radio and every social media site.
“Breaking news, Kenneth St. Germaine was detained this morning from his yacht at the Manhattan Beach Harbor. He faces murder and attempted murder charges along with aggravated assault, and a long list of other felonies.” Again, another influencer, who has taken to social media to pass along the news, appears on my screen.
“Shit,” Esteban says, looking over my shoulder at my phone. “It’s fucking working. That video is everywhere.”
“Can you believe that this asshole already posted bail? He hadn’t even been detained for four hours. That’s what you call privilege, people. This man murdered someone. The evidence is clear, yet he still gets a damn trial. If we don’t speak out, he’ll get away with it.” I freeze, staring at the video of one of my favorite influencers. I can’t believe I heard it from her first. And it’s so fucked up. She’s right though, men like my dad get away with everything. I just hope this time is different. They know I’m not the killer, but now I’m the daughter of one.
A knock on the door draws my attention from my phone. Esteban gets up, moving more slowly than usual, his healing taking time, though I know he would rather just push through the pain to get shit done. It bothers him that he’s not out with the others, dealing with Looking Glass stuff.
Glancing through the peephole, Esteban sighs and opens the door. He unlocks it and cracks it open, not letting me see who’s on the other side.
“What the fuck is this about? We are heading to the Looking Glass in an hour. There’s no need to harass us,” Esteban mutters, swiveling to glance at me.
I tuck my phone away and get to my feet. I can already tell that this has to do with our chapter. My dad’s arrest has left us in chaos and peril.
“Due to this scandal, our meeting location has been changed.” A familiar man stands outside, stretching to look over Esteban and at me. He’s one of the members of the King’s Court. Deidre, I think. He never talked to me much. “You know the rules. Word of mouth only. We can’t let that shit get out. There’s already so much damage control we have to do.”
“It’s such an honor to be personally summoned by the Joker, pendejo.” Esteban moves out of the way, his sarcasm heavy and his deep voice. “Talon could’ve told us. He’s on his way back now.”
“Actually, he’s not. He’s traveling with William Blackstone now. His entourage follows him. It’s my duty as the messenger to ensure everyone shows.” He turns in my direction, narrowing his eyes. “Including His Majesty.”
His silent threat strikes fear in my heart. He purposely mentions my dad, or should I say, Kenneth, and I know it’s to get under my skin. If Kenneth is removed from his position, and Talon takes over, Deidre can lose his position within the King’s Court. It is better for him if that doesn’t happen.
“Give me the address, and we’ll be there on time,” Esteban says, balling his hands. “We don’t need an escort.”
“Blackstone says otherwise. He’s tasked me with bringing you in and is currently acting as temporary king. I will not disobey his order and neither should you. Gather your things. I just want to get this over with and move on. You don’t know how difficult it has been managing my business when everyone’s concerned about the St. Germaine state of affairs.” Deidre tightens his jaw, looking ready to grab Esteban by the collar to drag him out of the apartment.
“Fine, whatever. But I’m driving.” Esteban peeks over his shoulder at me. “Message Christos and let him know.” I know Esteban says it because he doesn’t trust Deidre, and frankly, neither do I. Anyone who is close to Kenneth that hasn’t spoken up against him is not my ally.
Pulling my phone out, I quickly shoot Christos a text message.
Me: Kenneth posted bail. He’s going to be at the meeting. Deidre is at the door, demanding we go with him.
Christos: I heard from William. I’ll track your phone.
Me: I’ll see you soon.
Christos: Love you, babe.