heatwave

Chapter 17.

The cold Zurich air bit at Savannah’s cheeks as she and Logan hurried through the quiet streets. Every shadow felt like a threat, every passerby a potential enemy.

Logan glanced over his shoulder. “We need a safe place to regroup.”

Savannah’s breath clouded in the air as she thought quickly. “I have an idea.”

She led him through winding streets until they reached a quaint café tucked between two buildings. It was nearly empty. They slid into a corner booth, backs to the wall, eyes on the door.

Logan leaned in. “What is this place?”

“My dad used to bring me here when we visited Zurich,” Savannah whispered. “No one would expect us here.”

Logan nodded, pulling out his laptop. “We need to figure out how to get into Roth & Weiss.”

Savannah bit her lip. “Even if we find the vault, what if... what if someone already beat us to it?”

Logan’s blue eyes locked onto hers. “Then we make sure they don’t leave with whatever’s inside.”

Suddenly, a quiet voice interrupted. “I wouldn’t be so sure about that.”

Savannah and Logan froze.

A woman in a sleek black coat stood by their table, her blonde hair perfectly styled, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Hello, Logan. It’s been a while.”

Logan’s face hardened. “Sophie.”

Savannah’s eyes darted between them. “Who is she?”

Sophie chuckled softly, sliding into the seat across from them. “I’m hurt, Logan. Didn’t tell her about me?”

Logan’s jaw clenched. “She’s nobody.”

“Aw, don’t be cruel,” Sophie teased. Then her eyes turned icy as she looked at Savannah. “I was his partner. Before you.”

Savannah’s stomach dropped. “Partner?”

“In more ways than one,” Sophie smirked.

“Enough,” Logan snapped. “What do you want?”

Sophie leaned back casually. “The same thing you do. Vault 417.”

Savannah’s heart pounded. “You’re working for The Broker?”

Sophie’s smile deepened. “Let’s just say... I have my own interests. But The Broker? Oh, they’re much closer than you think.”

Logan’s hand tightened around Savannah’s under the table. “Why are you telling us this?”

“Because,” Sophie whispered, leaning forward, “you’re already too late. The key? It’s already in Zurich. And trust me... you’ll never guess who has it.”

Savannah’s voice trembled. “Who?”

Sophie’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Let’s just say... someone closer than you think. Good luck.”

With that, she stood and disappeared into the street.

Savannah turned to Logan, panic rising in her chest. “Logan... if Sophie’s telling the truth...”

Logan’s voice was low, dangerous. “We need to get to that vault. Now.”

But deep down, Savannah couldn’t shake the feeling that the betrayal they feared most... was yet to come.