have Wyatt locate blueprints of the building. If there have been any renovations done in secret, we will not have this. Not without time, and I do not know if Friday will be enough for Wyatt to research.”
“Then fire his ass. He needs a little motivation.” I wrapped the long duster in front of me. “I need this, Viktor. It’s my first solo assignment, and I want to do it right. The bodies we found don’t line up with what they’re saying about the fights. We don’t even know if that’s all the bodies. They might be recruiting from elsewhere. I want to know what happened to those girls. Do you think we have enough time to slap a plan together?”
Viktor pinched his silver beard, one arm folded across his middle. “We will be short one person. Christian cannot leave his current assignment. I will have Shepherd assess the risk. Wyatt will need to provide blueprints in a short time. We go prepared or not at all. Do you know which entrance they escort the patrons in?”
I shifted my weight to my right leg. “Pablo said they come in a different way, but he didn’t show me. He mentioned something about privacy.”
“Perhaps a tunnel,” Viktor murmured. “I want you to go back to the club and pretend nothing is wrong.”
“Why bother? We’re already in.”
“The man who secured this position for you may grow suspicious and report you to this Pablo. The other women did not quit their jobs. You must not do anything… What is the word I seek? A struggling Mage would not walk away from a good job after only one night, and you do not even know what the second offer is.”
“How do I get in touch with you? I don’t have my phone. Someone will need to tell me the plan.”
Viktor reached out and tugged on my necklace chain until the black pendant popped out of my bra. “I will have Blue bring you a shorter chain that is strong. This one slipped off your head too easily. Unacceptable. Do not worry about our plan. The less you know, the better. If they have a Vampire charm you, I do not want them knowing if and when we plan to strike. Or if she touches you. Do not let this woman touch you.”
“Got it.”
“Do not fight. Try to delay. Get a tour. Visit the facility. Use this necklace to give Wyatt as much information as possible. If they put you in a ring, we will come for you.”
I wondered if Viktor wanted to trap as many people as possible.
“I’ll do what I can,” I promised him. “Just don’t leave me hanging. I’ll fight to the death if I have to, but I don’t want to.”
A smile hovered on his lips. “And since when does Raven Black say no to death?”
“I draw the line at having an audience.”
Viktor and I turned to the sound of roller skates moving our way. Gem always made an entrance with great panache. She flashed a playful grin, her wavy hair dancing in the air as she seemingly floated toward us.
“Raven! I thought that was your voice I heard.” She skidded to a halt and turned in a circle before gripping my shoulders as if she might fall. “What are you doing here? Is the mission over?”
“I had to talk to Viktor. Having fun without me?”
“Alas, I’ve been poring over a collection of books riddled with grammatical errors.”
In skates, Gem appeared a lot taller. But I was wearing boots, so she still had to look up at us.
“Am I intruding?” She blinked innocently at Viktor, and he replied to her in Russian.
Meanwhile, my brain was working out scenarios. “Viktor, I think we should have Gem come along.”
He shook his head. “That is not her job.”
“No, but it used to be. Christian’s on assignment, so we’re a man down. Gem is powerful and fast. If something happens and you’re locked out, Christian won’t be there to break down a door.”
Gem’s eyes widened when she realized I was talking about her ability as a Wielder. “Oh, Viktor, yes! I can help. What’s this for?”
Despite the curt look he threw me, Viktor was a smart man, albeit a cautious one. This wouldn’t be Gem’s first time going on a raid. “I will discuss with Shepherd, but right now I must find Wyatt so he can search for blueprints. We must not delay. Raven, go back to working at club. If your plans change, give Blue