Page 44 of Reaper’s Wrath

I roll my eyes but clink my glass with his.

“What do you plan to do with her?” he continues his interrogation.

I was dreading this question for two reasons. First, I have no fucking clue what my plan is. Second, life on the lawless ocean is governed by the principle of might makes right. I learned quickly that if I expressed interest in something, others would take it from me simply because they could. I consider Kairos a friend, but when it comes to Isa, I don’t trust anyone.

“It’s a work in progress. That’s why we needed some supplies.”

He studies me as he nods, clearly suspicious. Let him stew in his curiosity. I’m not giving him anything more.

“Your turn. How are things on the island?”

“Not ideal. The forensic accountant has reviewed everything we gave him and determined that it doesn’t add up. They didn’t bank the kind of money that bought our boats or the island, free of the extortion and ransom rackets we were privy to. The Greek had a major income source we weren’t aware of, and the only person who would probably have answers is Stavros.”

I grimace at the prospect of tracking him down. “We won’t find him if he doesn’t want to be found.”

“Agreed. And it doesn’t necessarily change anything.”

“No, except that it means there’s a solid chance our suspicions are correct, and the Greek was more involved in trafficking than we realized. He made it clear that he wasn’t going to stop it, but taking a cut means he was a part of the system, and by association, so were we.” My words grow razor sharp as my fury mounts.

Kai keeps the reins held tight on his anger, but I sense it hiding in the shadows. “We agreed years ago that we wouldn’t do this—that we wouldn’t regret our decision to stay. Tessa needed us. If we hadn’t…” He stops short, his jaw clenching tight as the horrific words refuse to be spoken.

If we hadn’t stayed, the Greek would have sold Tessa.

We chose to let go of our past lives to ensure she had a future.

“I’m not regretting our decision,” I clarify in a calmer tone. “I’m pointing out why it’s more important than ever that I finish what I started here—to help even the scales. If I can figure out who is behind this particular distribution channel, it may not undo the past, but at least I know I’m doing something.”

“You telling me you’re not coming back?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Good, because I think we need to track down Stavros.”

I sigh heavily. “I thought we established that’s going to be next to impossible.” I’m not against going after him, but it comes secondary to what I’m doing now. I’m spread thin enough as it is.

Kai stares at me, a storm brewing in his eyes. “He was the one, Elio. Think about it. Before they bought the island, we had two ships. You and I were seldom on the old boat.”

“Stavros’s boat.”

He nods. “We were told he engaged in the occasional ransom plot, but what if there was more to it? What if some people were kidnapped for ransom, and others were sold?”

“You think he took kids?”

“I’m not sure what role he played, but he was involved. If you recall, he’s the one who brought us Tessa. The more I uncover, the more certain I am. And if that’s the case, he needs to be stopped, too.”

Fuck. He’s right.

“I need to finish this first.”

Kai sips from his glass. “I’m already working on it.”

I still. “What does that mean?”

“It means I’ll likely be heading to New York as well. I’ve traced some connections back there.”

“What about Tessa?” She wouldn’t be safe on the island by herself.

He rolls his eyes. “I’ll bring her with me. She’s been begging me to get off the island.”