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“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE kidding me.”
Molly, Devon, and Rae crouched in the bushes across the sweeping lawns of Guilder. The moon hung high above them, bathing the ground in silver and violet, and all around them the sounds of night snapped and fluttered in the breeze. After the clamor of London and the attack at the ball, it was refreshingly peaceful. The kind of night Rae had learned to treasure at her school.
Except that, tonight, she and her friends had other plans.
Rae stared up at the high stone walls, above which her little window sat darkened against the sky. What had once seemed like a majestic, almost castle-like tower now looked insurmountable.
“Why can’t I just go in through the door?”
Molly fidgeted excitedly in the tall grass and stuffed more of her vibrant hair up into her beanie. “Because it’s locked and it’s not like Devon could just go and ask Carter for the key. Plus, if you broke in, everyone would hear.”
“Maybe not,” Rae said hopefully, eyeing the three-story drop. “Maybe I could do it really, really quietly...”
Molly raised her eyebrows doubtfully. “Quiet enough not to wake Madame Elpis? I don’t think so. Now go, you big baby; it’s not that far.”
“Not that far?” Rae hissed under her breath. “If I fall it’s going to take more than Charles’ healing tatù to save me.”
“Well, short of you just changing into a bird and flying on up there, it’s the only way. Hang on,” Molly’s eyes grew suddenly wide, “you can’t do that, can you?”
“No.” Rae bristled defensively. “Not anymore,” she added under her breath.
“Well, I don’t see why I can’t go,” Devon countered through his teeth. “There’s no reason why Rae has to be the one to take the risk.”
Molly shook her head. “Devon, it’s adorable you feel so protective, but I hate to say it—and this is in no way an attack on your manliness—but with Jennifer’s tatù Rae’s stronger than you. You might be able to cross the lawn in a blur, but when it comes to climbing Rae’s our best bet.”
“I’m sure I’d be fine,” he muttered. “Increased agility and all.”
Molly rolled her eyes and nudged Rae. “Come on, girlie, you’re up.”
Rae took a deep breath and got to her feet, brushing leaves and grass from her pants as she eyed the distance between where they were hiding and the Aumbry Hall wall. “Okay,” she breathed to herself, “you can do this.” She was about to take off, when Molly suddenly grabbed her arm.
“Wait! Remember your spy gear!”
Rae threw up her hands as Devon rolled his eyes in the background. “Molly, I know that you’re new to the Privy Council and everything, but it’s not really about the—”
“How would you know?” Molly asked importantly. “Are you the PC’s official stylist?” She stared her friends down with a smug smile. “Yep—that’s what I thought. Now,” she snapped her fingers and gestured for Rae to take the black beanie she was offering, “spy gear.”
Deciding it was easier not to fight her, Rae snatched the hat out of her hand and clamped it down over her head. Upon Molly’s extreme insistence, the three of them were already decked out head to toe in black. The same sort of fitted jumpsuits she had worn with Julian when breaking into the museum. And while they might look right at home in some black ops espionage film, Rae could not have felt more ridiculous wearing it to break into her own dorm room.
“Fine,” she caved, pulling out her long dark ponytail and letting it spill down her back. “But if this thing catches on a rock or something it’s on your head, stylist. Not mine.”
“Technically, it would be on the rock.” Molly pushed her forward. “Now go!”
Without pausing to think about the ramifications of what she was doing, Rae took off into the dark night. The wide, sweeping lawns she’d walked a million times were suddenly a ticking time bomb. Sure it was dark, and she was fast as the wind and—yes, Molly—wearing black, but none of the people at Guilder were to be underestimated. There were people who could hear things from miles away, spot things at ten thousand yards, and even some who could camouflage into the trees.
She cast a suspicious look at an elm as she flew by, finally reaching the base of the wall beneath her window. Even from this distance, she could clearly see the trees where her two friends were hiding with the help of her tatù. Molly was talking a mile a minute but Devon was staring straight back at her, seeing her as clearly as she could see him. She flashed him a quick smile and a thumbs up before turning back to the wall.
Now for the tricky part. She squinted up into the night sky. The climb.
Switching back into Jennifer’s tatù for strength, she searched around until she found a good grip for both her hands. Then she started ever-so-slowly working her way up the wall.
It didn’t take long for her to realize she was in trouble.
While she had no problem lifting her body, the stones of Guilder had worn smooth over the decades of rain, wind, and snow. The higher she climbed the harder it was to find a workable grip, and once or twice she had to pull herself up using just her fingers. Devon was right. I should have let him do this. He’s probably done it a million times.
And so it continued. One foot after the other. One trembling hand above the one before. But despite the difficulty of the climb, it seemed like luck was on her side. The moon had thankfully slipped behind some clouds, shrouding her in darkness, and she had yet to hear a single thing besides the deep breathing of sleep from inside. After what felt like an eternity, she was within sight of the window.
That was where her luck ran out.
There were no cracks in the stone. No little grooves to put her hands. Nothing.
Panicked, she glanced up and tried to get her bearings. She was in a straight line below her window; she could almost see the cracking paint on the ledge. However, the stone between them wasn’t cobbled like the rest. It was a sheer slab of gray granite. Completely smoothed over without a single imperfection for her to use to get up.
Okay, Rae, just think.
She breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth, trying to calm herself. There had to be something she could do. Some useful tatù she could use. She browsed quickly through her roster but came up flat. Damn Kraigan! If he hadn’t drained her of some of her favorite abilities, she could have just turned into an eagle and flown in through the open glass. In and out in five minutes. Plus, she wouldn’t have had to put up with Molly’s silly spy gear.
She made a mental note to gather more tatùs as quickly as possible and focused once more on the ledge. What could she use? Ice? Wind? Maybe if she made a big enough gust, she could literally blow herself inside. Granted, she had never used the power in such a directed way and was pretty sure it didn’t work like that.
Think, Rae. Think!
But inside she knew the truth. These days her body picked the tatù before she did, selecting whatever would be most helpful in her current situation. It was staying with Jennifer’s—relying on its strength to make sure she didn’t fall.
Jennifer’s it would have to be then.
Using every ounce of determination she had, she tried a tentative jump for the window. Big mistake! She only leapt up about a foot or two before she fell back down the wall, hands flailing frantically for a hold. She caught herself with one hand and quickly made up the distance she had lost, but her original problem remained. There was simply no way to make it to the ledge.
“Whatcha doing?”
Rae almost slipped off the wall, stifling a shriek in her arm before staring up into the darkness. Julian was leaning out of her window frame, casually munching on a bag of crisps. She had never been so happy to see him. Or so ready to kill him.
“You having fun sightseeing?” he asked in the same teasing manner. “It’s a long way down—be a shame if you fell...”
A wide grin spread over Rae’s face even as she tried to make it look serious. “Could you stop messing around and pull me in? And wipe your hands off,” she commanded, eyeing the crisps. “I don’t want to fall to my death because you had greasy fingers.”
Julian grinned then wiped his hands on his pants before leaning as far out the window as he could and reaching for her hand. She stretched up into the night and grabbed his fingers, hoisting herself even higher to get a good grip.
Julian didn’t have a strength tatù like she did, but he was naturally fit and strong. With what seemed like very little effort, he pulled her in through the open window and gently set her down on the floor. The second she was grounded, she leapt upon him in a huge hug.
“Okay,” he laughed. “It’s good to see you, too, Rae.” She held on tight and felt a tremor run through his body. “Okay!” He sounded slightly strained. “Too hard—a little too hard.”
She pulled away, still smiling. “You saw me?”
He brushed his long hair out of his face and sat down on her bed. “I was walking back to my room after some late-night training, when this image flashed through my head.” He gave her a once-over and smirked. “Covert Barbie, hanging below the third-story window.”
Rae snorted sarcastically. “So you came running to my rescue?”
“No.” He picked up the crisps. “I saw I had a little time, so I grabbed a snack.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Very pragmatic.”
Same old Julian. Always there when you needed him, but with a twist.
“So what’s up, Rae?” He watched her, his head slightly tilted to the side. “I also saw Devon and Molly hiding out in the bushes, but I decided to come here first.” His eyes lit up with their familiar sparkle as he crumpled the bag and threw it into her trash. “What’s the mission?”
If it were anyone else asking, Rae would have made up an instant excuse. But in many ways, Julian was the person she trusted most in the world. He had never lied to her or blabbed a secret without thinking. He was open and honest. A true friend. She would be as well.
“I found a key at that factory in Stoke,” she said softly. “Turns out it goes to a lock box with some clues about whatever it was that happened to my mom. The box is in London, but I forgot the key back here.” She stared hesitantly at his face. “It’s not exactly a sanctioned mission.”
He nodded once and smiled. “Understood. So where is it?”
Rae shook her head, baffled by the inherent goodness of Julian. Without saying a word, she cocked her head towards a case of porcelain figurines. He followed her gaze and strode across the room to open it, pausing as he glanced over the miniature army of animals.
“It’s not the schnauzer, is it?”
Rae giggled. “It’s a key. It’s there on the side.”
“Got it.” He took it carefully in his long fingers and dropped it into her hand. “This is so cool, Rae,” he said with sincere excitement. “You can finally get some answers about your mom.”
Rae’s eyes teared automatically and she grabbed him for another quick hug before slipping the key into her pocket. “Thank you,” she said softly.
He chuckled and glanced out the window. “I like making Devon sweat by thinking I’ve got the hots for you. Plus, I couldn’t just let you fall.”
She shook her head. “No,” she murmured, tracing the outline of the key in her jeans, “for understanding. For being you.”
A soft smile lit his face and he gave her a wink. “Don’t mention it. Now go get ’em, champ. I’ll hold down the fort.”
She grinned and clapped him on the shoulder, then they both returned to the window ledge and gazed down. It was hard enough getting up. How on earth was Julian supposed to lower her back down so that she could find a grip? Dangle her by her shoes?
She needn’t have worried. The second they leaned their heads over the frame, they saw Devon hanging there in the dark.
“Told you I’d come in handy.”
Rae could see his dimple even from where she stood. She grinned.
“What did he say?” Julian asked, squinting down towards the grass.
Rae rolled her eyes. “He’s boasting about being useful.”
Julian laughed softly. “Sounds like Devon. Also sounds like you two might be on again?”
She smacked his shoulder. “What? Did you draw that, too?”
“Nope.” He tapped his head. “Just my God-given intuition. It must have been some ball.”
Rae rolled her eyes and jumped up into his arms. “You have no idea. I’ll have to tell you all about it when we get back.”
“Can’t wait.” He held her out the open window. “And before you say anything—I already know. You were never here.” He gave her a wink and then dropped her in mid-air.
She resisted the urge to scream as she fell silent as a stone through the night, landing a second later in Devon’s warm arms.
“Geez,” she whispered, pressing her face into his neck. “Next time, how about we make Molly climb?”
Devon grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
She shifted to hop down, but before she could he took off sprinting into the night, holding her against his chest like a teddy bear. She could feel his heart pounding through his shirt and smiled to herself as she nestled in, enjoying the brief seconds it took him to return to the woods. After going without it for however long, it was something she would never take for granted again: The beautiful sound of Devon’s rhythmic heart.
Before she’d nearly had her fill, she was back on solid ground.
“So did you find it?” Molly asked the second Rae’s shoes touched dirt.
“Sure did.” Rae rummaged in her pocket and pulled out the key. “Next stop, London.”
* * *
EVEN THOUGH THEY WERE only about an hour from the pub, both Rae and Molly took the time in the taxi to get a little sleep. They had purposely left Devon’s car at Heath Hall, hoping that if anyone came by to check on them it would look like they’d stayed in for the night. Rae had texted Luke before they’d gone, apologizing for the late hour but asking that he meet her anyway and bring the box. He had eagerly complied—too eagerly for Rae’s taste, and she felt guilty. Just a few hours ago he’d risked his whole job just to help her, and then she went and kissed Devon. Not only that but now she was bringing Devon along with her to the meeting, a fact she’d conveniently left out when making plans with Luke. She wasn’t sure how either boy would react to the other, but it was a thought she’d put off as long as possible.
When the taxi pulled up at the curb, Devon shook her and Molly awake. “We’re here,” he said, pulling out a stack of bills and handing them to the driver.
“Already?” Molly stretched noisily and looked around. “Geez, it’s really dead out here.”
“It’s two in the morning,” Devon reminded her as she crawled outside, followed closely by a yawning Rae.
The brisk night air bit at their faces and Rae pulled her dark jacket tighter around her, secretly glad Molly had insisted on it. A neon light flashed intermittently above their heads, occasionally zapping a fly or mosquito who got too close. Charming, Rae thought. The pub was called Second Sister, a name which she silently pondered as they walked inside.
They were greeted immediately with a strong whiff of stale beer and peanuts. There were only a few patrons and a single bartender. Perfect for the kind of discreet meeting Rae had in mind.
She spotted Luke immediately, playing with an empty beer pint as he waited patiently at the bar. As if by chance, he glanced over his shoulder and spotted her at the same time. He jumped off the stool and moved towards her, a bright smile lighting his face. Before she could stop him, he scooped her up in a tight hug, holding on a second longer than was necessary, his hands lingering on her back. She gasped a little with the strength of it as he set her lightly down on her feet.
“Luke, it’s so good to see you.” She tried to smile as brightly as him, but an ominous sort of guilt had started tugging away at her stomach.
“It’s great seeing you too!” He beamed then took a small step back and gave them all a once-over. “I’m sorry, was I supposed to dress like Jason Bourne, too?”
Molly turned to Rae and whispered excitedly, “See! I told you we looked like Bourne!”
Rae shushed her and turned back to Luke. “You’re fine. Thanks again for meeting me so late. I really appreciate it.”
Luke flashed her a warm smile, his blond hair catching the dim light. “It’s no problem.” His eyes wandered over her and Molly and then seemed to register Devon’s presence for the first time. His smile faded slightly. “Who’s this?”
Devon’s face was hard, but he extended a polite hand. “Devon Wardell. Privy Council.”
Luke glanced at the hand but folded his arms across his chest. “Sorry if I don’t shake. Never know what tatù a person is carrying, you know?”
Rae blanched, her mind flashing back to the bear hug he’d just given her. He sure didn’t seem to have a problem with tatùs then...or touching.
“Wardell?” Luke repeated, looking Devon up and down. “I know all about you.” His lips thinned into a flat smile. “The Xavier Knights keep files on everybody.”
Devon smiled back, but a muscle twitched at his jaw. “That’s right, you’re their file-boy.”
Luke’s eyes flashed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that it seems really...convenient. How you came into Rae’s life the moment she joined up with the PC.”
“Certainly.” Luke fought to keep his composure. “I always thought it had to be really nice for her. Spending time with someone without worrying about breaking the rules. I know how you tatùs aren’t supposed to mix, and how you’re so gung-ho about following the rules.”
Devon took a sudden step forward. “I don’t know exactly what you’re insinuating, but—”
“And...that’s enough.” Molly popped up in between them, pushing them apart with crackling, electric hands. “Why don’t we all just calm down before someone accidently gets electrocuted?” She tossed her hair over her shoulders and flashed a lethal, but charming, smile. “I believe we all came here for a specific reason. Why don’t we get a booth?”
“No need.” Luke gritted his teeth. “Sorry Rae, but I’m not giving you the box with Wardell here.”
Rae’s mouth fell open. She couldn’t believe he was being so openly hostile. They weren’t dating. They hadn’t even kissed! And this was much, much bigger than any sort of testosterone-fueled rivalry. This was about finding her freaking mom! “What?” The word hissed out with more venom than she had intended. “Luke, we’re talking about my mother. It has nothing to do with Devon. Give me the damn box!”
Luke pretended to scoff. “It’s nothing personal, I just don’t feel comfortable revealing Xavier Knight information with a member of the Privy Council around.”
There was a beat of silence before Rae actually stamped her foot in frustration. “I’m a member of the Privy Council.”
Luke nodded calmly. “But I trust you.”
“And I trust Devon. And Molly.”
For a minute the four of them stood there at an impasse—the girls frowning in confusion as the boys stared each other down. Rae honestly didn’t know what to do. She hadn’t expected the boys to like each other, but she certainly hadn’t expected anything like this. There was not an iota of compromise on either of their faces. And the three of them had to be back by morning. They were running out of time.
“Look, this is getting us nowhere,” Molly finally said. “Why don’t Devon and I wait in that booth in the corner, and you can give Rae the box?”
Devon rolled his eyes in disgust, but Rae looked at Luke eagerly—hoping he would find the terms acceptable. What she saw wasn’t encouraging.
“That’s...not quite going to work.” Luke shifted his weight uncomfortably and Rae actually threw up her hands in exasperation.
“Why? You said you trusted me, right? Well, you’re just going to have to trust me now.”
“No, I know; it’s just not that simple. You see, it’s not exactly here...with me.”
Rae put her hands on her hips impatiently. “Well, where the hell is it?”
Luke glanced at her apologetically before he turned to Devon with a bright, almost triumphant, grin. “It’s at my apartment.”
