Page 174 of What Remains

Dad shakes his head, eyes shooting to Easton. “I didn’t, actually. Looks like someone’s got his training wheels off when it comes to being as overprotective as I am.”

“What?” I blurt out, whirling around to playfully swat Easton’s chest. “This was your idea?”

He takes hold of my wrist and kisses the inside of it. “Can’t have you getting into trouble when I’m not around to bail you out.”

“Oh, you’re going to get it later.”

“Promise?” he mouths, lifting his brows twice.

“I’m still in the room,” Dad grunts.

Easton shoots me a handsome but decidedly indecent grin, which tells me he has plans for me when he’s back if I’m naughty. A girl can hope. So, I better antagonize him a little when I’m out tonight, so I’ll deserve a slap on the arse.

My cheeks heat. I’m definitely blushing as if my thoughts spilled out into the room.

Once our goodbyes are said, I drop back into Dad’s battered leather chair and pick up the framed wedding photo of him and Natasha. Then I swap that photo for one of Dad and me in New York when I turned twenty-one, which feels like a million years ago.

At the sound of a notification from my mobile, I set down the photo to see who it is.

Julian: How are you?

Alive. You?

Julian: Actually . . . I’m thinking about doing something crazy and becoming “alive” myself.

I sit upright in Dad’s leather chair, my gaze flicking to the map on the other wall as what he’s saying sinks in.

Really? You’re not gonna be dead anymore?

Julian: I think it’s time for a change of pace. Sick of covering my tracks and looking over my shoulder every five seconds. This op has also taught me it’s probably better to be alive than dead.

Generally speaking, I think that’s the best way to be.

Julian: I just wanted to let you know I managed to backdate the antidote. It took a few weeks, but I was able to find the real footage of who killed Preston.

Of course you did. Always gotta one-up me on the cyber genius stuff. What’d you find out?

Julian: Molly killed Preston.

So that Chechen douche was telling the truth. An honest assassin, huh?

Julian: Yeah . . . but ready for a mind trip?

Not sure I can handle more, but shoot.

Julian: Molly found out Preston also worked for The Collective. I bet she was worried they would decide he was more useful than her. So she eliminated him before they could eliminate her. She did it for job security. I have all the proof I need to show Zoey, too.

“You gotta be kidding me,” I say under my breath.

Are you telling me Zoey gave up her life for a traitor? Ugh, I’m going to be sick.

Julian: Yup :(

I spin the chair away and push to my feet, pacing the length of the office.

For now, Zoey’s being held at one of Julian’s family’s secure sites—whatever that actually means. I don’t want too many details. Carter agreed she deserved some penance for her sins before she’s released with a new identity and life. A life that won’t ever include any of us. Diana’s compassion is the only reason Carter didn’t go full nuclear on her.

As for Molly’s crimes? I’m not sure what MI6 did with her, but I know she won’t ever be seeing the light of day again.