“Mr. Elysian is our boss. There are no real threats to him,” he says.

“That’s because he’s taken what should have been a gift and turned it into a self-serving instrument meant to spread fear. He’s a truly horrific man, and he isn’t even legitimate. If you tell me right now, truthfully, that he’s been good to you, I’ll tell you the code.”

They both gasp and the shorter one steps forward saying, “He’s been good to us.”

“Yeah? Where’s that scar from?” she asks, jutting her chin out as a gesture to the scar on his face.

He doesn’t answer.

“I did say truthfully, didn’t I?” Lynell says.

The guards exchange a look, and Lynell feels her body beg her to lie down. She ignores it and stretches her back until she feels a satisfying pop.

“It’s a shame because the code is pretty powerful,” she says. The shorter man’s eyes flick to the side before training back on her. Lynell opens her mouth and smiles “Oh, my god . . . you don’t know what it does, do you?”

They don’t answer.

“Of course, you don’t. Why would Eric ever confide anything in two unimportant bodyguards?”

“We’re not—”

“You’re locked up in this shitty room with an unarmed, untrained, defenseless girl, who, in your opinion, has no real information. I’d call that unimportant.”

“He said you’re here because you have a code he needs,” the taller guard says.

“That’s how he put it?” Lynell asks. She sighs, lowers her right hand to the bed, and pushes, using the leverage to stand on shaking legs. She takes a moment to steady herself before turning back to the guards.

“Let me explain, Mr . . . what are your names?”

They both frown.

Lynell rolls her eyes. “If we’re going to be talking, I’d love to get a name.”

They exchange glances before the taller one shrugs and says, “Kenneth.”

“Pleased to meet you, Kenneth. I’m Lynell Elysian.” She places her right hand over her chest and nods to him before turning to the other. “And you?”

“Call me Smith.”

Lynell pushes her lips together. “I take it that’s not your real name?” Smith just smiles at her. “Seems a bit unfair. You get to know my full name, but I don’t even get to know one of yours. Oh well. Pleased to meet you too, Smith.” She holds out her hand to him and his fingers curl around his gun. She waves him off. “Calm down. I won’t go for your knife. You’re two grown men with multiple weapons. I’m not an idiot.” She notices his grip lessen, but he keeps his hand on the holster.

Lynell turns to Kenneth. “And you can lower your gun, Kenny. It’s not very welcoming when someone has a gun pointed at your face.” He doesn’t make a move, so Lynell takes a step forward. “Come on. You can continue holding it, but if you could just not have it trained on me, I’d really appreciate it.”