“I’m joining a new organization. Somewhere my talents will be appreciated. And there was a price for entry.”

“You’re joining the Knights of Darkness?” Real Gilroy asked. He sounded stunned. “Albanian mafia,” he explained. “They prefer payment in diamonds.”

“Well done,” Dimitri said. “You figured it out. Too bad you’re not going to be able to tell anyone.” He leveled his gun at Real Gilroy and smiled at Teri. “So considerate of you to tie him up for me. Really saved me some trouble.”

“Kids,” Real Gilroy said, his voice relaxed and steady. “I want you to think about my password, okay? Say it to yourselves when I tell you, then run.”

“I don’t think so,” Dimitri snapped. “That pint-sized thief stole my diamonds and I’m getting them back.”

“One problem.” Real Gilroy’s voice was as calm as ever, but Teri could see that he’d gotten one of his hands free. While he was speaking deliberately and slowly, his hands were working furiously. It was some of the best acting she had ever seen. “There are six of us, and one of you.”

“What—” Dimitri started.

“Now!” Real Gilroy yelled. Teri remembered his password, counted to four, then grabbed Parker and Chris, and saw Dustin grab Daryl. They sprinted past Dimitri, who was whirling around, trying to figure out what was happening.

They made it through the door, and Teri looked back just in time to see Real Gilroy rip his arms free.

And then, a second later, to see Dimitri shoot him, right in the chest.

CHAPTER 26

Kat

Grand Central,” the cabdriver said, pulling up behind the taxi line. “Cash or credit?”

“Cash,” I said, digging in my pocket for what was left of the thirty dollars Cary had given me. It turned out that taking cabs from the theater district down to the Gansevoort, then back up to Grand Central, added up. I started to count it out, then hesitated. “If I give you a truly excellent tip, can you break a hundred?”

The cabdriver turned around, like he was considering it. “Twenty-five percent and done.”

“Great,” I said, feeling relief flood through me. Now I wouldn’t have to worry—I would have more than enough to get a train ticket and get a taxi back to Teri’s, just in case Stevie wasn’t going to be there waiting for me.

I didn’t know if she was going to be there. I was hoping she would be. But either way, I had to go and see.

The driver handed me back my change, minus his tip, and I knocked on the glass partition. “Pleasure doing business.”

“Receipt?”

“No, I’m good,” I said, opening the door. “Have a good night.”