ia'

element had to be flawless; one error might destroy everything. Sam's usually subdued manner was laced with raw intensity. Th

"I still can't believe we're going through this. It

"That's the only way out from under Venessa's thumb. We might a

to entice her into a false sense of security, which would cause her to show her last manipulations and let us finally expose her onc

ad been both a cause of warmth and uncertainty. Though it was difficult to swallow, the thought of tricking him was es

ough my dream. "We have to make sure

as weighty, I nod

ce, was as striking as it always is. Slinking under the darkness, Sam and I headed to a covert vantage point from which we coul

nsion. Our move had to be timed exactly. I inhaled deeply, psychologically getting read

d ourselves. With an eye on obtaining access to the damaging material she still po

lize our new alliance." As I headed into the study, Sam hid clos

study. She waved for my seated position. "It's good to see y

ual goals. "I am prepared to do all

from you. I need your assistance with a little insurance coverage pr

e proof she possessed, so I had hoped, but this was a whole new degree of deliberate inten

is the last piece of the puzzle. Once you transmit this to the

's final plan required drive, which also defines that should w

urther. Hurrying in, Jake wore a mask of hurt

ising and disturbing. Venessa turned from triumph

e words. His eyes showed nearly too much suf

. "Defense, Sam?" Or is this simp

g. "Your little strategy appears to be disintegrating

all you find in a game? Was everything you said

see him. "Jake, you fail to grasp

rising. "Had to act in what m

s, my heart pounded. "Jake, I have been trying to guard everyone-includin

r; his look was a mixture of despair and reso

ective, but our conflict was equally obvious. I stamme

eyes. "This is the endgame; not sure otherw

s laughter filled the room. Do you consider yourself

uick pace. I looked at Sam, who nodded gently in awareness of the unstated agen

m. You must come to trust me.

th the anarchy all around us. "I want to trust you, b

nts of the safe comprised a collection of records outlining her influence on earlier

o face Venessa, resolved. "It ends her

rbance. Her plans were revealed, and her machinations lay naked. Her ambitions

of the events of the day firmly upon us. The air carried a mix of relaxation and

, I have to know the truth. Why did you p

assigned to reveal Venessa's plots. I never anticipated, though, feeling this

ted, Jake's face softened. Further

e proceed forward. The truth is out there; we can at last beg

the jigsaw fit together. Our lives had been changed by dishonesty, treachery,

ction was clear-cut ahead. Our futures would depend on the decisions we make now, and the relati