Epilogue

The receptionin the mansion's ballroom is in full swing. Servers in crisp black and white attire are circulating with trays of champagne and whiskey-spiked punch while a sumptuous buffet is laid out. After we eat a little and drink maybe more than we should, I make my way toward the cluster of New Yorkers with Scarlett on my arm, intent on getting a read on the Bianchi Boss.

Johnny de Luca is standing with her and actually motions us over, a strange expression on his face.

"Hello, Johnny," I greet him.

"Lyssa. This is Juno Bianchi."

"Lyssa Fletcher," I substitute, reaching out a hand to take Juno's.

She takes me in with sharp, assessing eyes. "Lyssa Fletcher—ah, the Wolf. Yes. I've heard a great deal about you." Her gaze flits to Scarlett. "And this is?—?"

"This is Scarlett Fletcher." I draw Scarlett closer with a hand at the small of her back. "My partner in every sense of the word."

Juno offers Scarlett a polite nod. "A pleasure. But I must admit, you've both caught me at a difficult time." Her voice drops and she goes on softly, "The news was covered up for a little while, but it will be known soon enough. My friend and ally, Don Colombo, was assassinated a few days ago. His wife Brie has taken charge for now, and is determined to find the person responsible."

"That's awful news," Scarlett murmurs, but we exchange a glance. "Do they…have any leads?"

"Not as yet." Juno's eyes glitter like shards of onyx. "Though I fear there may be an attempt on Brie's life as well since she has assumed control of the Family. I believe you know about the list?"

"The list," I repeat, glancing at Johnny.

He speaks up. "Lyssa was actually the one who gave it to me, Juno. I did get in touch with Don Colombo, but he was not inclined to make any changes to his routine."

My mind whirs. Yes. Don Colombo's name was written on those shredded documents in Grandmother's lair. Is it a coincidence? Or…

As if reading my thoughts, Juno holds my gaze with obvious weight. "I had hoped not to interrupt the happy couple with business, not on their wedding day, but in light of your connection…if Hadria were to offer assistance from her own people, I would be most grateful."

Getting entangled in another Family's problems sounds like a bad idea to me. But this…this does bear investigating. And I know Hadria wants to make friends—not just with the Bianchis, but with other powerful people around the country.

"I can speak to Hadria, of course," I ask carefully. "If not tonight, then tomorrow, before she leaves for the honeymoon. What did you have in mind?"

"Brie will be overseeing things in Las Vegas, naturally," Juno continues. "But I plan to send some of my most trusted soldiers to act as…support, shall we say? If the Styx Syndicate were to lend additional support in the same vein, I believe it could go a long way toward reestablishing order. Boots on the ground can do a lot to curb unrest."

My gaze cuts briefly toward the bridal couple, sharing a lingering kiss as cameras flash all around. And I think about how determined Hadria has been to forge a partnership with this woman here before me.

But then I look at Scarlett. She has her own plans, her own hopes. And while Hadria might be my sister and my Boss, Scarlett is my life. But she takes my hand and gives it a quick, meaningful squeeze and a tiny little nod of the head.

I guess, like me, she must feel partly responsible—if this is Grandmother's work from beyond the grave. Her little puppets seem to have picked themselves up from their cut strings and acted on their own accord, or else Grandmother had a kill-switch protocol in place that activated her sleeper agents.

Or maybe it is just coincidence. But I'd feel a lot better if we made sure.

"I'll run it by the Boss when I get a second tonight," I say at last. "But if I know Hades, I don't see her refusing your request."

Juno inclines her head. "I am pleased to hear that." She raises her champagne flute in a subtle salute. "The Syndicate will be welcomed with open arms in Vegas, I'll make sure of it. And united, we will make those responsible for this terrible crime rue the day they crossed us."

As I look again at Scarlett, her hazel eyes dark and intense, I know one thing for sure. She'll be right by my side every step of the way, because she knows as well as I do that this disease must be stopped before it spreads. So in synchronized movements, Scarlett and I raise our own glasses back to Juno in a silent toast.

Vegas awaits.

And the Wolves of the Styx Syndicate are on the prowl.