This is the sketchiest thing I have ever done. Getting out of the cab one block from the destination screams red flag, but according to Jaxson, this is what needs to be done.
I had heard Jax was odd, but this is next level.
My steps are hesitant as I walk down the abandoned cobblestone street. The area doesn’t look like the kind of place where a billionaire would keep his office, but I guess in his line of work, it makes sense.
This isn’t a normal building; this is a superhero lair. Like Batman minus the bats. Rats, however, might be a part of this equation. A shiver runs up my spine at the thought.
The street is dilapidated. The building as well. I’m only a few steps from the address when I hear a creaking sound, and a door that blends in perfectly to the façade of the building opens. Tentatively, I pop my head in. No one is there.
“In here,” Jax hollers from somewhere deep inside the building.
The door is electronic, I realize. What can’t this man do? Taking a step inside, I glance around at my surroundings. It’s exactly what I would imagine for a lair.
Dark concrete floors, high ceilings, and state-of-the-art electronics. All he needs is an older British butler to complete the picture.
“Let me show you what you need to bring Felix down.”
Something tells me whatever he has to tell me will be above my pay grade. I’m nervous to find out.
48
Tobias
“Was that Jax?” I ask Cyrus, who is sitting across from me in my library having a glass of cognac with me.
“It was.” His voice is flat, but I can tell by the way the right side of his lip is tilted, he is amused by the turn of events.
“So . . . she didn’t listen?” I’m not at all surprised.
“Nope.” Now he’s fully grinning. Not something he normally does, so he must really be enjoying this. I can’t help but shake my head. Skye Matthews is unbelievable.
When she came to me with the plan, I said no. A full stop—no. The thing is, I always knew she wouldn’t listen; it’s one of the things I love about her. How could I have thought she would? She’s the girl who stepped in front of a bullet for a boy she didn’t even know. Also, the woman who ran into a war to save my life.
“Well, I guess we proceed with the plan,” I say to Cyrus, lifting my glass to my mouth and taking a swig. After I place my drink down, I pull up my phone, dial, and place it on speaker so Cyrus can hear.
“Good thing we made a plan.” Jaxson laughs through the phone line.
“I don’t care what you have to do. Jax, you make sure Skye is safe. You hear me?” My voice is firm and final.
He chuckles over the line.
“I’m glad you find this funny.”
“She’ll be safe. She will get into the apartment, and the whole time, I’ll have eyes and ears on her.” He tries to sound reassuring.
“And if she gets caught?”
“She’s using the bathroom—”
“You know as well as I do that anything can go wrong.”
Jax is silent for a second, but it’s Cyrus who speaks. “We will be there. All of us, ready to strike.”
“I just need the alarm off. The device I gave her will interfere with the cameras, a portable EMP. It will knock down the image, and they will just think it’s a bad connection. In the meantime, she will find the computer connected to the mainframe, insert the zip drive I gave her, and then we’ll be able to download all the files from his computer and take down the whole system, all at the same time. Storm the castle and whatnot.” He acts like this is no big deal. For him, it’s not, for us either, but for Skye . . . It could be the difference between life and death.
My teeth grind together. I hate this plan.
“How do you know where the computer is and that she will be looking in the right place?” There is no confusing the angry tremor in my voice. A lot is riding on this plan. Skye is riding on this plan. We can’t afford mistakes.
“Eyes and ears, dude. I have the blueprints, too.” His words bring me no comfort.
“You better,” I seethe.
“Tobias.” Cyrus interjects a hint of warning in his voice. Fuck that. He wouldn’t be this calm if it was his girl.
“Yes, Cyrus?”
“Leave Jax alone. We are all doing everything we can to keep her safe.”
I let out a sigh. He’s right. I’m being fucking crazy. But I’m pissed. I told her to drop it, and here she is, going about her business like I didn’t.
It’s what I love about her, but still.
“When do we leave?”
“As soon as we get the call to get in place.”
Great. Just fucking great. All I can do is wait. Wait, as if I have nothing better to do. Which apparently, I don’t.
49
Skye
I’m here early. My heart is pounding through my chest as I’m shown into Felix’s building and then led to the elevator that takes me to his penthouse apartment.
Despite my hatred of enclosed spaces, that’s not even the worst part. I’m scared the plan will backfire.
When I suggested it, Tobias said no. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was wrong to go through with it without his support. There is no question that Jaxson has told him everything by now, and Tobias will be part of the cavalry sent in to capture Felix. I wonder how pissed with me he will be.
“Skye.” I hear Jaxson’s voice through the earpiece I’m wearing.
“Hmm?” is the only answer he will get. I’m not sure if this elevator has cameras.
“You need to calm down. I can hear you breathing all the way from here.”
“Mmm.”
“Once you get inside, I’m not going to turn the EMP on right away. It will be too obvious. I want you to sit down with him. Ask for a drink. Play it cool. Maybe flirt.”
“No.”
“Good, because Tobias will probably kill me for that idea.”
“Once he gets the call that something is wrong with his security cameras, I anticipate that he will tell you to wait and make yourself comfortable. That’s when you go looking for his office.”
“How will I know where it is?” I mutter, trying to make sure my mouth doesn’t move when I speak.
“I have the blueprints.” When I don’t say anything back, he continues, “I got you. Trust me.”
As soon as the elevator opens, I’m met by Felix.
He looks every bit the villain. Dressed in all black, he has his hair slicked back and wears a lecherous smile on his face.
There is no hiding the way he leers at me. His gaze lingers on the exposed skin at my neck.
I wore a rather seductive outfit.
Probably a bad idea now that I think about it. But if the plan goes awry, at least I can pretend to seduce him and then pounce.
“Ms. Matthews, I was surprised by your call, but I can’t say I’m not thrilled as well.”
“I’m happy to please.” With a coy smile, I move farther into the foyer.
“Is there anything I can get for you before we get down to business?” He means work, but by the way he looks at me, one would think I’m about to perform sexual favors on him.