<b>Chapter </b><b>197 </b>
:.
“Get the fuck away from me,” Jade muttered, shoving his face back.
A knock at the door interrupted Night’s theatrics. Maverick stood outside, his weathered <b>face </b>creased in a cautious
smile.
97
“I’d like to offer you folks more suitable amodations,” he said, his eyes darting between Night and Jade. “Given the recent excitement, it seems prudent to relocate you.”
Night immediately straightened, his yful demeanor vanishing. “How convenient,” he said coldly. “Explosions rock Scorpio territory, and suddenly you’re offering us shelter. Why the hospitality, old man? Did your people blow up those Scorpio casinos?”
Maverick’s eye twitched almost imperceptibly. “Uh… it was an ident. A misunderstanding. You burned down their auction house, we blew up their casinos. Makes us something like allies, doesn’t it? Care to be friends<b>?</b><b>” </b>
Night snorted. “Everyone wants to be our friend these days. How do I know you’re not setting <b>us </b>up? Seems suspicious, you showing up now. Maybe you heard we were nning to blow up your territory next?”
Maverick’s eyes widened. “Excuse me?”
Jade moved toward the door, brushing past Maverick without acknowledging his shock. “Let’s go.”
“Baby, wait-” Night called after her.
Jade didn’t break stride. “Didn’t you say you wanted to change locations?”
“Please,” Maverick said, regaining hisposure as he gestured to Night and Chris. His eyes lingered respectfully on Ethan, who had remained silent throughout the exchange, offering him a slight nod of deference.
—
Maverick led them to apound at the edge of his territory–a cluster of small but clean buildings surrounded by armed guards. The contrast with their previous amodations was stark.
I hope these quarters will suffice,” Maverick said, showing them thest of four separate rooms. I’ve arranged for private security and meals to be delivered.”
With a respectful nod, Maverick left them to settle into their new surroundings.
After leaving his guests, Maverick found Sloane waiting anxiously at themand center of theirpound.
“Is it true, sir<b>?</b><b>” </b>Sloane asked eagerly, eyes bright with anticipation. ‘Is Mr. Haxton really here in Crimson Valley<b>? </b><b>I </b>could bring him breakfast tomorrow.”
8:22 <b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b><b>25 </b>
“You’ll do no such thing,” Maverick replied firmly. “Thest thing he needs is your fawning attention causingplications.”
97
At eleven that night, Jade heard Ethan’s door open. Secondster<b>, </b>Night’s door creaked open as well. She moved silently to her own door, cracking it just enough to observe.
Ethan stood in the hallway, dressed in the same clothes from earlier. Night leaned against his doorframe, arms crossed, a smirk ying on his lips.
“Midnight stroll?” Night asked. “Perhaps you could borrow one of the arms dealer’s guard dogs for protection. I hear they’re very effective at keeping unwantedpany away.”
“I’d suggest you take one yourself, but they might mistake you for a fire hydrant.”
Night pushed off from the doorframe, his posture shifting from casual to threatening. “You want to say that again?”
Jade pushed her door open wider, leaning against the frame. Both men immediately froze, their heads snapping in
her direction.
“I couldn’t sleep,” Ethan said quickly, his voice softening. “Thought I’d get some air.” Without waiting for a response, he walked away, disappearing down the corridor.
Night immediately changed his demeanor, his shoulders slumping. “Baby, I’m sorry. But he started it.”
Without a word, Jade headed to the stairs.
“Where are you going?” Night asked.
“Out for a bit,” she replied. “Don’t follow me.”
She made her way directly to the drug lord’spound, avoiding the increased patrols triggered by the casino bombings. The route was familiar now–she’d been here with Ethan just days before. She slipped past the guards with practiced ease and headed straight for the cer where she and Ethan had hidden.
The cer was cool and dark, smelling of earth and preserved vegetables. Jade settled onto a crate and waited.
It didn’t take long. Footsteps approached. The door creaked open…