37. Eliza

37

ELIZA

A knock on the bedroom door woke me.

"Yes?"

"Your cousin is here," said Kima, easing the door open.

"Right." I swung my legs over the side of the bed, steadied myself, then stood. By the time I reached the hallway, which was only a matter of minutes, I no longer saw Kima. When I entered the living room, Niven approached.

"God, Eliza, I'm so sorry," he said, stepping forward to embrace me.

I looked up at him, and my eyes once again flooded with tears. "Has something else happened?" I could barely get the words out.

"No. I mean, there's no news on Typhon beyond what you've already been told. I'm just so sorry you're going through this."

I looked behind me. "Where are Kima and Hornet?"

"I asked them to step out. I need to speak with you alone."

He led me over to the sofa and sat beside me.

"What's going on, Niv?" I asked when he hung his head and took a deep breath.

"Earlier today, I received intel—information—regarding the incident I told you about previously. The one in which Typhon accused me of being responsible for the deaths of both operatives and assets in a mission we worked together."

"I remember."

"I also told you my theory that the man he considered his mentor was a double agent who'd gotten himself killed."

I leaned forward, rested my elbows on my knees, and rubbed my temples.

"I'm sorry, Eliza, but I believe what I'm about to tell you may result in us finding Typhon."

"Go on," I said without looking up at him.

"The information I received confirmed the man was, in fact, the double agent I suspected him of being. What it also said is he isn't dead."

I gasped. "What did you say?"

"He's not dead. And given this information was discovered the same day Typhon disappeared, it leads me to believe the two are related."

I shook my head. "I don't understand what this all means, Niv." When I sat up, he took my hand.

"You asked me about an investigation, and I told you the findings of it were sealed and I wasn't given the chance to read it. I also suggested Typhon and Z buried it themselves to cover their arses."

I yanked my hand away and stood. "Get out!" I shouted at him. "Get the fuck out of here, Niven!"

He stood too, and his mouth gaped. "Wait. No. I beg you. Let me finish."

"The man I love, my husband, is missing. He is the air I breathe. He is my reason for living. He is the only person who has ever truly loved me, and you are here to cast accusations at him? I will never, ever forgive you for this. Never! "

I raced into the bedroom, but Niven was too close behind me for me to close the door and lock it.

He grabbed my upper arms. "Eliza! I'm here to tell you the opposite. Typhon is innocent. So is Z." His own eyes filled with tears. "You're practically my sister, El. I wouldn't hurt you like this?—"

"Don't call me that." I tried to jerk away, but he held tight.

"I believe there's a chance this man is responsible for Typhon's disappearance. I know no one would've told you this, so I am. Out of love for you, Eliza. Not hate for your husband. I've been wrong all these years, and so has he."

"Where's Kima?" If what Niven said was true, I had no idea how she'd react. If he was talking about the man I thought he was, she was his adopted daughter.

"That's why I asked her to allow us to speak alone."

"Who else knows what you're telling me?

"The woman I met the day I saw you and Typhon at the pub is holding a briefing now. She asked me to attend, but I came here instead."

He let go of me, and I walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. "If this is true, Kima will be devastated."

"It is true. When I met with the new chief that day, it was so she could inform me that she had reason to believe the man who led the investigation eleven years ago was also a double agent. She said that his report hadn't been destroyed; it had been buried. The other thing she told me was that she believed it had been located. It was, and I received a copy this morning."

"Why do you think this has something to do with Levi's disappearance?"

He shook his head. "I just do. I can't explain it any better than to say it's what my gut is telling me." His mobile vibrated, and he looked at it. "I've got to go."

I jumped up. "Where?"

"I'll be part of the team looking for him."

I grabbed his arm like he had mine. "Take me with you!"

"I cannot. I know this because I feel the same way about Harper. I guarantee there is only one thing Typhon wants right now, and that is for you to be kept safe. I cannot put you in harm's way."

I followed him to the front door and found Hornet in the living room. "Where's Kima?" I asked after saying goodbye to Niven.

"She's been relocated," Hornet responded.

"Why?"

"She may also be in danger."

His response made no sense. "Why couldn't she remain here?"

"Because you know, and she doesn't."

"Of course I understand, but I'm worried about her."

Hornet sat in a chair opposite me. "So am I."