Page 49 of Monster Mania

Angel looked at Crow. “You never told me.”

“I couldn't find you after Shadow died,” he insisted.

“You just said you knew where I was,” she reminded.

“Not exactly. I knew enough to keep Razor away. Finding you myself would've risked leading him straight to you,” Crow said.

Angel looked back at the letter.

Do you remember our treasure hunts?

Her heart pounded.

One last hunt, baby girl.

Angel stopped reading as she remembered the key. “The Halloween card,” she said.

Crow nodded. “Viper knew you wouldn't throw it away.”

Angel kept reading.

The witch points the way, but the dead keep the truth.

She frowned. “What does that mean?” Crow didn't answer, and she read the next line.

Don't trust the crown.

Angel's stomach twisted. “What crown?”

Crow's expression changed. “You'll understand when you find the first clue.”

Angel lowered the letter. “Where is it?”

“I don't know,” he said. She wasn’t sure if he was lying or not.

“You're telling me Dad trusted you with this letter but didn't tell you where the records were?” she asked.

“Exactly,” he said.

“Why would he do that?” she asked.

“Because he knew Razor would come after me too,” he said. Angel stared at the paper. Her father had split the information. He had left the key with her and the letter with Crow. Neither one had enough alone. It was smart. Infuriating, and very Viper, but smart. She read the final lines.

If Shadow is with you, trust him.

Angel's heart broke, and Crow looked away. She forced herself to finish.

If he isn't, find out why.

Angel couldn't breathe, and her hands shook. “He knew.” Crow didn't answer. “My dad knew Gabriel was in danger.”

“Yes,” he breathed.

“Did Razor kill him too?” she asked.

Crow looked at her. “I don't know.”

“Bullshit,” she spat.