<b>Chapter </b><b>230 </b>
I pulled out my phone as it vibrated with an iing call.
“Have you arrived?” Lawrence asked.
“Yes. At the location you mentioned.”
“Would you like me toe get you? This isn’t the safest neighborhood.”
“I’ll be fine.” I scanned the dpidated buildings. “Any news<b>?</b>”
“Not yet. You know, I could find your friend for you. This person must be very important to you.”
“Why else would I fly halfway around the world?”
Lawrence chuckled. “Perhaps to visit me? I’ve helped you, so may I make a request? It’s been so long–won’t you finally let me see your true face? Last time you came to Crystal Vault, my staff described a beautiful young woman, but their description doesn’t match the image I’ve had of you. Seemed younger.”
I almost smiled. Lawrence Linden, owner of Crystal Vault, the international jewelry empire. He lost it to me in a bet years ago. Before I disappeared due to Shadow Organization’s gic harvesting operation, I returned Crystal Vault to him.
“Find my friend first, then we’ll talk.”
“I’ll take that as a promise, then.”
I found a dingy bar and settled in at a corner table. Shadow Organization wanted me to chase them like a headless chicken. I refused to give them the satisfaction. If they wanted me, they knew where to find me.
The bartender eyed me suspiciously as I ordered a drink. My phone buzzed with Ethan’s name on the screen.
“Where are you now?” he asked immediately.
“Somewhere with terrible cell reception,” I deflected.
“Jade, I’ve been trying to reach you for hours. Where are you? I’lle to you.”
The bar door opened, and three men in practical, worn clothing entered. Their eyes locked on me immediately.
Lawrence’s men.
“I need to go,” I told Ethan and hung up.
8:03
<b>dep </b>
The leader approached my table<b>, </b><b>his </b>eyes suspicious <b>as </b>he examined this stranger in their territory.
‘You’re not from around here,‘ he said in ented English, more statement than question. ‘What’s your business in <b>this </b>neighborhood<b>?</b><b>‘ </b>
I took another sip <b>of </b>my drink, assessing him and the two men nking him. Lawrence’s men, judging by their disciplined stance.
I pulled out my phone and dialed Lawrence. The leader’s eyes narrowed as I put the call on speaker.
‘Lawrence, your men are quite thorough with their questioning.‘
There was a pause on the other end. ‘Ah, they’ve found you. Good.‘
The leader’s expression changed immediately, a mix of surprise and newfound respect crossing his features.
“You can call off your men. I’m fine.”
“Have you found your friend?<b>” </b>
“No. I’m waiting for them to find me.”
“I see. Contact me if you need anything.”
The leader ced a small medallion on my table. “This will grant you safe passage in this area. No one will bother you if they see it.”
<b>I </b>nodded my thanks, and they departed as quickly as they’d arrived.
The hotel room wasn’t much better than the bar, but it had a functioning shower and a rtively clean bed. I called Max on video chat, needing to see his face.
“How are you feeling?” I asked as his image appeared on screen.
“Like I got hit by a truck,” he said, attempting a smile despite the bruising on his face. “Nothing serious though.”
“Your face doesn’t look like ‘nothing serious.“”
“Says <b>the </b>person who’s apparently off on some dangerous rescue mission.” Max’s eyes narrowed. “Jade,e home. Let Ethan help you. Ryan says these people are targeting you specifically. It’s too dangerous.”
“I can handle myself.”
“You’re always saying that!” Max’s voice rose, then he winced from the effort. “Sorry. It’s just… Ethan’s really worried. He hasn’t left the hospital.”
“Hospital? I thought you were at home.”
“He insisted on proper monitoring.” Max shifted the phone, and suddenly Ethan’s face appeared in the frame.
He looked tired, with faint shadows under his eyes. “You look terrible,” I told him.
“Thanks.” His mouth quirked into something almost resembling a smile. “Be careful out there.”
I nodded.
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