Page 84 of Devil’s Reign

The driver doesn’t even raise a brow as I slide into the back, panting and sweating.

“Where to?” he asks, meeting my eyes in the rearview mirror.

I fish the address from my new wallet and hand it to him. He reads it quietly, and with a low hum, we’re off. I did it. The first part, anyway.

But I find out very quickly that getting away from Vanya’s men was the easiest part. I realize it a few minutes later when we reach the East River. The warehouse isn’t empty and unguarded the way I’d somehow, stupidly, imagined it would be. The whole property is ringed by a tall fence, and the only way in is through a manned checkpoint where IDs are being checked one by one. Fuck.

But of course it wouldn’t be as simple as walking in through an open door. A man who has been evading the Petrovs for weeks without leaving a single usable threat isn’t going to leave his meeting space accessible to anyone who wanders up. I step out of the taxi and just stand there for a moment, staring. So, I finally got my freedom. Mamma is waiting at the restaurant we agreed on, ready to leave the city together once I have the information I need. But I can’t even get inside the warehouse? After all the stress this week, all the work I’ve done… is it going to be for nothing?

Frustration spikes through me, but I breathe through it because falling apart on a sidewalk isn’t useful. I need a way in. I just need to think. The sound of a car approaching behind me makes every muscle in my body go rigid. I turn instinctively, giving the road my back so whoever it is won’t see my face. But the car doesn’t pass—it slows to a stop right next to me. The quiet whirr of the window rolling down makes me curse under my breath.

“Lena? Forgot your ID at home again?” The voice is male and tinged with amusement.

I blink. Is he talking to me?

“Lena, come on.” A pause, then a low laugh. “Just because you’re giving me your back doesn't mean I can’t recognize you. Your fish brain is nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s what makes you cute.”

Yep, he’s definitely talking to me. I heave a sigh and slowly turn to face him. He looks younger than I expected. Around Luciano's age. The thought lands like a small blow.

He’s leaning across the passenger seat of a sea-green Prius, the entire backseat stacked with sealed crates. He takes one look at me, and his expression shifts from familiar amusement to open confusion.

“You’re not Lena.”

“No.” I do an awkward combination of smiling and waving. “I’m Penny. And I—also forgot my ID.” I cringe inwardly even as the words leave my mouth. It’s terrible. It’s the most obvious lie I’ve told in recent memory. What will he do? Will he believe me?

He frowns as he studies me, and I force myself to smile and look like someone who totally works here and simply had a forgetful morning.

“Which department do you work in? I don’t think you’re in mine. I’d remember seeing you around.”

Department? What department? There are departments? My brain scrambles for an answer. 'Um, I'm in administration.” Is that even a thing here? It has to be. Every place needs admin staff… right?

His frown deepens, and I brace myself for the moment he calls me out. But instead, he says, “Huh, you must be the new intern Ross mentioned. Didn’t catch the name, though."

Relief hits so fast it almost makes me dizzy. I’m guessing that Ross also works in admin? “Yeah, that’s me. Just started. Didn’t realize ID checks were such a big deal.” I let a trace of genuine exasperation into my voice because it probably is annoying.

That seems to resonate with him because he rolls his eyes. “Tell me about it. There are bigger complexes than ours that don’t have to go through this bullshit every day.” He reaches over and pushes the passenger door open from the inside. “Get in. I can get you past security. But you’re buying me coffee after work.” He winks.

I hesitate. Could it really be that easy? Or is this some sort of trap? Damn it. I should have taken the gun from Vanya’s nightstand before I left—at least then I’d have something to protect myself with if things went south.

His smile fades. “Or not. I was just kidding. You don’t have to buy me anything if you don’t want to.” He nods at the seat. “Get in.”

I get in. I’m doing this for Luciano.

“Thank you. And coffee is the least I can do. You’re a lifesaver.” My stomach twists because I know I won’t be buying him coffee. I doubt I’ll see him again after this.

“Don’t mention it,” he says easily, locking the doors and easing the car off the curb. “I’ve been in that exact position more than once since I started working here.”

“How long have you been working here—” I trail off, realizing I never got his name. “Sorry… what was your name again?”

He chuckles. “Charlie. Been here a little over a year. It’s not what I want long-term, but it brings in money, you know. I don’t want to be a burden to my mother anymore. I should be responsible for myself.”

“I know,” I answer softly, then go quiet as we near the vehicle checkpoint. My heart hammers in my ears as he rolls down the window at my side and one of the guards steps forward, eying us both.

“You know the rules about strangers, Charles.”

“She’s not a stranger. This is Penny. She just started working in admin.”

The guard’s face hardens as it lands on me. “ID.”