Chapter 27: Chapter 27: A Hornets Nest

Mark, for his part, did well.

Admirable even.

But he broke. Lavinia only truly needed half an hour. Amidst his pleas and tears, he gave away where Casey was taken.

It was a safe house that The Syndicate used to shelter their members and possible rescues. In truth, it was an apartment in a rundown building.

Now, Lavinia tapped her nails on her leg in the passenger seat as Ardashir drove, again.

His mouth twisted in turmoil and his hand kept readjusting its grip on the wheel.

She sighed and looked out the window. “Spit it out.”

He licked his bottom lip in thought. “Liv, this is going a bit far for a favor.” She looked at him. “Is some little pet worth all this?” He glanced at her.

How to explain without giving away too much weakness?

She swallowed and looked ahead. “I spent a small fortune on her.” She did her best to keep neutrality in her voice. “I do not intend to see that fortune lost.”