The cargo ship rocked gently beneath them as dawn broke over international waters. The sky was the color of bruised lavender, a shade that matched the ache in Nora’s chest. She hadn't slept. Neither had Adrian.
He stood at the railing, hands clenched, jaw tight. Ever since they’d escaped the ambush, his mind had been running five moves ahead.
Nora stepped beside him, arms folded. “You look like you’re planning to murder someone.”
“I am.”
“Make a list. We’ll compare notes.”
Adrian cracked a smile, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
He turned to her. “I’ve been thinking.”
“Dangerous.”
“I know. But if Kaito thinks we’re dead, we have a window. We use it.”
“Agreed,” she said. “But we can’t just barge in guns blazing. We need leverage.”
“I’m listening.”
Nora inhaled.
“There’s someone we
