Chapter 214
Chapter 214:
Alistair stood by the window, on the phone. He spoke in low, clipped tones.
“Don’t let him die,” Alistair said. “I don’t care what Liam does—just keep the perimeter secure… Understood.” He hung up and turned to Skye.
“Update?” Skye asked, her voice raspy.
“Liam cornered Victor at the old mill,” Alistair said. “My team intervened before Liam could throw him off the roof. Police arrived shortly after. Victor and Petunia are in custody p>
Skye closed her eyes. “And Liam p>
“He managed to slip away in the confusion,” Alistair admitted, his jaw tightening. “He jumped into the river. The police are dragging it now, but given the current, he likely washed up downstream. He’s officially a fugitive now. Assault, unlawful flight, violation of bail p>
“He’s destroying himself,” Skye said. There was no pity in her voice, only a factual observation.
“He’s a rabid dog,” Alistair said. He walked over and sat on the arm of her chair, his knees brushing hers. “Skye, it’s over. The threat is contained p>
“Is it?” Skye looked at Arthur’s pale face. “Seraphina is in jail, but she’s still plotting. I know her. She doesn’t stop p>
Seraphina Miller sat on the thin mattress of her cell in Sea City Women’s Correctional Facility. She had traded a hidden diamond ring—one she had swallowed before the arrest—to a guard for five minutes with a burner phone.
She dialed a number she had memorized years ago. “It’s me,” she whispered. “The plan is moving faster than expected. I need the favor now p>
A voice on the other end, distorted and deep, laughed. “You’re in a cage, little bird. What can you offer p>
“I know where the body is,” Seraphina said. “Not Eleanor’s. The other one. The one that brings down the Thorne family p>
Silence on the line. Then: “We’re listening p>
Back at the hospital, Alistair’s phone buzzed again. He looked at it and frowned.
𝗨ո𝖼𝖾ոs𝗈𝗋𝘦𝘥 𝘴𝘁о𝗿𝗶𝘦𝘀 𝘰𝗻 𝗯е.𝗰𝘰m
“What?” Skye asked, sensing the shift in his mood.
“I have to go,” Alistair said. He stood up, smoothing his jacket. “Business p>
“At 3 a.m.?” Skye asked. “Alistair, don’t lie to me p>
Alistair hesitated. He looked torn. “It’s a family matter. Dominic is making moves while I’m distracted with your… situation p>
“My situation,” Skye repeated. The words stung. “I’m a liability p>
“No,” Alistair said fiercely. He cupped her face in his hands. “You are the only thing that matters. But if I lose the Thorne seat, I can’t protect you. I need to handle this p>
He kissed her forehead. It was a chaste kiss, but it felt like a goodbye.
“Stay here. My men are outside the door. You’re safe p>
He walked out.
Skye watched him go. She felt a knot of anxiety tighten in her stomach. “Family matter p>
She pulled out her phone and texted Harper.
Skye: Look into the Thorne family. Specifically, anyone named Victoria Hayes.
She didn’t know why that name popped into her head. Maybe it was something she’d seen on a news ticker in the lobby. Or maybe it was her intuition, the Oracles sensing a new predator in the water.