“What are you saying?” Colin whispered as I looped my arm around his side, worried whatever Jenga piece was pulled next would take us down.

“We think your girlfriend’s father has been running Jamie’s operation behind bars. Their uncle is probably their money man and supplier. Trafficking in the drugs here to sell them, then laundering the money through offshore accounts,” Izzy explained, giving us a glum look. “We thought Jamie was using you as a way to get his father out of jail, but new information has changed our minds.”

She quickly laid out the facts for Colin about The League and the device that this mystery “they” were after.

“We believe Jamie was doing whatever he had to do to prevent his father from being killed in prison. He used you to save his father. Maybe to protect his sister, too.”

My free hand went to my chest, the pain lingering there burrowing deeper.

“Jamie’s by no means innocent.” Alessandro lifted his palm, patting the air to get that point across. “But someone with a lot more power and pull is behind all of this. Jamie was a puppet. He was probably only following orders to arrange a deal with the Sicilians at the rave, but the plan failed. So, they, whoever the hell they are, sent in a team to intercept you tonight and try to take out your father.”

“But they failed. Dad’s alive, and I’m free. So, now they have no choice but to use Lennon instead of me and try to negotiate with both Dad and Uncle Easton.” Colin closed his eyes, scrunching up his face. “And they’re hoping Dad . . . that he’ll risk everything and get them what they want anyway to save her. Not because I love her, but because he loves me.”

“We’ll protect her, I promise.” Alessandro’s words provoked another shiver to fly freely as more chills had me shuddering.

Colin opened his eyes and stepped forward out of my reach. “Can I talk to my dad?” He held out his palm, and Alessandro tipped his head, a signal to Izzy to do what he was asking.

She called Constantine and placed him on speakerphone. He answered a moment later, and I nearly cried in relief at the mere sound of his voice. “Hey, everything okay?” he answered.

“Dad?” Colin whispered as she handed him the phone.

Silence was on the other line for a moment. “Yeah?” A hoarse answer came out.

I cupped my mouth, trying to keep from crying as Colin begged, “I’m so sorry.” Tears slipped down his cheeks. “Please come home.”

46. Juliette

Chapter 46

Juliette