Page 69 of Deadfall

Riggs exchanged a look with Lev and then returned his attention to me.

“I changed my mind. I’m in.”

“What if I don’t want your help?” I grumbled.

“Sacha taught you a lot, but you have no experience—” When he saw me open my mouth to object, he held up his hand. “Real world experience. I have over a decade of experience in the field and we’re gonna use it.”

“Wow, you must be ancient then,” I taunted.

“Still young enough to kick your ass.”

“I’d like to see you try—”

“Children, children—” Lev muttered but fell silent at a sharp glare from me at the use of the word. He held up his hands. “I didn’t mean—”

“I just need to know why,” Riggs interrupted. He crossed his arms and waited. I pressed my lips together. Like hell was I going to open up and tell Riggs about my past. I had a feeling he was the type of person to use it against me later, and I didn’t like the idea of that at all.

Lev sighed. “He’s right. These are some powerful people, Syn. What kind of trouble are you in?”

I slumped back on the couch, my attention flickered between the two of them in irritation. When it was obvious I wasn't going to get any more information until I was more forthcoming, I growled in frustration.

“I’m not in trouble,” I muttered. “This is revenge.”

Riggs’ eyes narrowed. “You told me you didn’t know the people who killed Sacha.”

“What? No,” I said, irritably. “This isn’t about him. This is–this is about my past.”

“Go on,” Riggs demanded.

I chewed on my lip and scowled at him.

Lev leaned forward. “Syn, I know this is difficult, but you need to tell us at least a bit about what’s going on. We need context or things could get missed.”

I rubbed a hand over my face and realized he had a point.

“Those people—specifically Vetticus—killed my family,” I ground out between a clenched jaw.

“And the other two?” Lev encouraged gently.

“Octavius—he, uh—” The words wouldn’t come. “I was a child and um—well, things happened.”

That seemed to be enough of an explanation because neither man asked me to elaborate.

“And Albatron shot me,” I said flatly.

Riggs leaned heavily over his thighs, fingers steepled against his lips. He seemed to be studying me, with an obvious debate in his eyes.

“I’m going to regret this,” he groaned.

“Then don’t be involved!” I cried out in irritation.

Lev clapped his hands. “Too late, kid. We’re in. Besides, he’s just being dramatic,” Lev chuckled. “Riggs loves a good vendetta—don’t you, mate?” He clasped his hands together and looked at me apologetically. “I am sorry that happened to you though.”

I jerked my head in a rough nod.

Lev jumped up. “Right—we need a plan.”

Riggs stood up, cell phone in hand. “I’ll make some calls.”