She really was untouchable.
The only time I’d seen the Princes have even a modicum of control over her was when she’d still thought there was a chance of getting back together with Mason. She’d been desperate enough to make that happen, to secure that match, that she would’ve probably done anything.
Now though? She hated the Princes, and she was more powerful than them.
She’d done what she could to wreck their lives, and possibly to end my life, and now she was set to just waltz off into the sunset with no repercussions.
We were running out of time to bring her down. And as much as I’d told Mason to be careful, not to act until we were sure, I didn’t like the idea of her getting off scot-free.
I just wasn’t sure how to get to her.
Chapter 17
On Saturday morning, I dug through a stack of papers in my desk drawer and found a phone number in the letterhead at the top.
I’d lost the few numbers I’d had programmed into my phone when it was broken in the crash, and I hadn’t ever re-entered Erin Bennett’s contact info. There hadn’t been much need to. She’d checked in briefly during my first semester back at Oak Park, but her job was done. She’d helped emancipate me and free up some of the money my mom had left me—there was nothing left for her to do.
Once I had her name and number programmed into my phone, I pressed the icon to make the call.
It was the weekend, so I wasn’t sure if she’d answer, but when she’d been working on my case back in Sand Valley, she’d told me to feel free to call her anytime.
She answered on the third ring, her tone cool and businesslike. “Hello? This is Erin Bennett speaking.”
“Hey, Erin. It’s Talia Hildebrand.”
“Oh, hello, Talia.” Her voice warmed just a fraction, becoming a little less clipped and formal. “Sorry, you didn’t pop up on my caller ID.”
“It’s okay. I got a new phone.”
“Well, what can I do for you?”
I paced across the room, summoning the courage to just come right out and ask for what I wanted. “Do you know anyone by the name of Adam Pierce?”
There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and my stomach felt like it was full of wet cement as I held my breath. Then she spoke slowly.
“No. I don’t.”
“Are you sure?”
Another split-second of hesitation, then, “Yes.”
Was she lying? I knew whoever hired her had wanted her to keep their name secret. Would that include not even admitting she knew them?
“Oh. I thought—” I limped to a stop, staring out the window at the lawn below. “I thought maybe he was the one who sent you to Sand Valley.”
“Talia.” Her voice was gentle but firm. “As I explained at the time, I’m not at liberty to tell you that. I’m sorry.”
&n
bsp; “I know. It’s just…”
It’s just that crazy shit has been happening in my world, and I need to at least work out one piece of the puzzle.
“I understand. If I could tell you, I certainly would. But the person who helped you wanted to do so without their name becoming known by anyone. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” I ran a hand through my hair. “Thanks.”
“Are you doing all right? Is there anything you need legal assistance with?”