The Rising (Darkness Rising 3)

The man's blue eyes cooled. "I would suggest you modulate your tone with me, young lady."

"Because you're some important Cabal guy?"

"His name is Mattias Nast," Antone said. "He's the CEO's nephew."

Ash had told us that each Cabal was run by a family. The CEO and his sons were at the top, but a nephew would still have clout. Significant clout, judging by Antone's tone.

"I don't care who he is," I muttered. "I've got a good idea what he wants to know and the answer is 'go to hell.'"

The man's eyes chilled more. "Antone, you will tell your daughter--"

"I'm not his daughter. He's a sperm donor. My father is Rick Delaney."

Antone leaned closer. "I know you're angry, Maya, but you aren't making this easy."

"I don't want to make it easy. I know what you want to ask me--how to find Ash. I have no idea where he is or how to contact him. You don't believe me? Use magic or truth serum or whatever else you've got. The answer won't change."

I could tell by their expression that I'd been right about the question, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Ash had escaped. Good.

So where was he? Long gone. I was sure of that. Once I was captured, he'd run and keep running. It hurt, knowing I'd found him only to lose him again, but at least he'd be safe.

"We'll discuss this again later, Maya," Antone said. "For now--"

"Later?" Nast said. "I have three Cabal security teams waiting for her answer. Do you realize how much this operation is costing?"

"No more than it's worth," Antone said. "Or you wouldn't still be here. If your teams are so valuable, they should be competent enough to find my son without Maya's help."

"Your daughter isn't the only one who needs to modulate her tone. Don't forget who you're speaking to, Calvin."

Antone turned to me. "We'll discuss this later. Right now, there's someone waiting to see you." He smiled. "Someone I know you'll want to see."

"Daniel," I said, sitting up. "Is he okay? And Corey?"

Silence. I looked from Antone to Nast, and I realized Daniel wasn't here. I felt a flicker of disappointment, but it vanished when I realized what that meant.

"They're still out there," I said. "You don't have them."

"No, but we're looking for them," Antone said. "Even harder than we're looking for your brother. For a very good reason. There was . . . an accident."

Nast spoke up. "Your Daniel got himself hit by a car running from the park."

"Wh-what?"

Antone glowered at Nast again. "Could I please speak to my daughter in private, sir?"

"No, because you'll sugarcoat it for her so she doesn't get sad and cry. We have got a very valuable asset out there--"

"Asset?" I said. "Daniel is not an asset. We're not assets. We're kids. Living, thinking, feeling--"

"That's enough, Maya," Antone murmured. Then to Nast, "This isn't your area of expertise, sir. I'm sorry if I'm not being properly grateful that the Cabal sent you, but I requested Sean Nast. He--"

"Sean is a boy, whatever his grandfather thinks, and he knows nothing of this project. Even Thomas realizes there are things his so-called heir can't stomach. This operation would be one of them."

I sat on the edge of the bed. "So this Sean guy would have a problem with hunting teens like animals? Huh. Can't imagine why."

"Your concern for your friend seems to have faded very quickly, young lady," Nast said.

"Because I believed you for about five seconds before I realized you were full of crap. Daniel's not careless enough to run in front of a car. You picked the person I'm closest to and told me he was hurt. Terribly hurt, I'm sure, which is why I need to help you find him."