Page 48 of Iris' Lying Eyes

Without responding, I escape to the bathroom and stare at my reflection in the mirror.

The woman looking back at me with hard, dark eyes, smiles, mocking me and my foolish thoughts.

I know what’s down the road of hope—a dead-end street with a cliff beyond.

I’m being stupid.

After brushing my teeth, I check my phone, my heart skipping a beat when I see a response.

Useless Fucker: There’s no time

Iris: Make time. This is important

Useless Fucker: What now?

Iris: Sam

Useless Fucker: For fuck’s sake, how many times do I have to tell you? When the deal is done, he’s yours

Huffing out a breath, I mutter profanities and fumble out a response.

Iris: Look, I’m doing as you asked. The least you can do is help me

Useless Fucker: And I will when it’s done. Wait for my word

“Grr.” Slamming my hand against the countertop, I spin when Bastion says, “Problems?”

Narrowing my eyes, I study his expression, but he’s a brick fucking wall. Is he spying on me?

Does it matter? I need to check on Sam, but fuck if I want B to know. Shit.

“What do you want?” I mutter.

“Get your ass out here,” he says, and I roll my eyes before closing the door again so I can pee.

Bastion’s in bed when I emerge, and I slide in beside him before closing my eyes.

As exhausted as I am, I don’t know how I’m going to sleep. And with a silent sigh, I stalk back to the bathroom and turn the light on before closing the door until just a sliver of light shines through.

Bastion doesn’t mention it, so I assume he’s asleep. I’d go downstairs for a snack, but I’m afraid I’ll run into Roman, so I guess I’ll brood in my head instead.

Sliding back into the bed, I stare at the ceiling. It’s going to be a long night.

“Tell me about John,” Bastion says, and I turn my head. Okay, not asleep.

“What about him?”

“Where does he stay? Who are his contacts? What are his weaknesses?”

In the dark, it’s almost easier to speak, but there’s an underlying kernel of fear that I have to push past. I also have to tread very carefully because just beyond John’s secrets lie my own.

“You know some of them. The cabin. The farm. A few abandoned houses.”

“Who does he work for?”

“Depends on who you ask. If you ask John, he works for himself, but he has people who he uses.”

“Like who?”