Chapter 687
Caleb staggered to a quiet spot, finally unable to hold it in any longer. Doubling over against a tree, he vomited up all the military rations he’d eaten. He purged every last bit of the ration bar and fish from his stomach.
“I thought you were truly unfazed,” Dorian drawled as he ambled over, offering Caleb a bottle of water.
Caleb took the bottle and managed a weak “Thanks.”
‘I wanted to experience Aria’s life for myself. Now I finally understand,’ Caleb thought, his hands trembling. ‘So, this is what it feels like to stare death in the face.
Dorian suddenly blurted out, “Ever thought about joining Arressto?”
‘Well, if I can’t recruit Aria, getting her brother Caleb on board isn’t a bad consolation prize, Dorian thought to himself. ‘He may be physically weak, but he’s got brains and guts, perfect for an investigator at Arressto.
Caleb’s pale lips curved into a faint smile. “I appreciate the offer, but I’m not cut out for this.”
The cave was packed with people, the air thick and stifling, reeking of sweat.
Owen frowned and rose to his feet, only to find two guns trained on him. “What are you doing?”
Owen said, “I’m going to the entrance for some air. Don’t you think it absolutely reeks in here?”
The two guards exchanged a look, speechless. They followed Owen to the cave entrance.
Ronan strode into the cave, shot Owen a glance, then approached Tyree. “Mr. Remar, this is Owen Shaw, second son of the Shaw family from Mandino City. Just an ordinary lawyer, Aria’s boyfriend. Infiltrated the Solemnity Guild in disguise.”
Money opens doors, and the Shaw family had more than enough of it. Killing Owen would do more harm than good.
Ronan added, “Aria is Echohawk.”
Tyree’s face darkened. “No wonder she kept getting the better of Olivia, time and time again. Use Owen to control Aria, use Aria to control the Solemnity Guild. As for Russell, he’s a dead man walking.”
“Mr. Remar,” Ronan vowed with grim determination, “I will hunt down Russell and avenge Olivia.”
Tyree nodded faintly. “How far out is the Blood Association?”
Ronan replied, “They should be arriving any minute now.”
As the guards switched shifts, Owen noticed one particular guard. The man shot Owen a cold glance and advanced, face expressionless, gun in hand.
A glint flashed in Owen’s eyes as the corners of his lips curled into a knowing smile, Russell, disguised as a guard, lowered his voice and whispered, “Getting caught this easily? Owen, have you gone soft?”
Owen leaned against the rock wall and chuckled. “Can’t match you, Mr. Nicholson. Even killing someone, you still drag your feet. If you’d just hurry up, my girlfriend and I could get home sooner.”
Russell could have taken Tyree out right there, but there was no way he’d make a clean escape. Worried about blowing his cover, Russell cut the conversation short with Owen.
1/2
Fourteen shadows crept soundlessly toward the edge of the cliff. The rest held their positions while Aria and Wade advanced, scouting out and confirming the cave entrance’s location.
Wade whispered to Aria, “The Wolfshade Syndicate wouldn’t dare act alone. Who do you think is backing them?”
Aria retorted, “You’ve been with the Solemnity Guild longer. Shouldn’t I be asking you that?”
“I think it’s the Blood Association,” Wade said.
“Sure.”
Wade thought he was a man of few words, but Echohawk made him seem downright chatty. Giving up on small talk, he asked, “Any idea when the Blood Association will show up?”
“No idea.”
“So, what’s our next move?”
“No idea.”
Wade suppressed his irritation. “If I just make the arrangements, will you actually listen?”
“Yes.”
Now that he could actually order Echohawk around, Wade felt like he’d scored big, and all his previous annoyance melted away. “Take cover first. Let’s see what Tyree is waiting for. His life is mine, so don’t you dare steal him from me.”
“Sure.”
Wade barked into his comms, “Pair up and surround the cave. Keep clear of the cliff. Our Solemnity Guild lives are worth far more than those Wolfshade Syndicate scum.”
Aria shot Wade a glance. Wade arched an eyebrow. “Did I say something wrong?” She remained silent.
Wade reported the situation to Emmett. With a cold chuckle, Emmett ordered, “Keep staking them out. This time, make sure none of them make it out alive.”
Wade replied, “Copy that.”
The wait dragged on until dawn. Ronan of the Wolfshade Syndicate emerged, leading five others into the cave. Peering through the binoculars, Aria twitched her brows as she recognized their faces.
