Ace of Shades (The Shadow Game #1)(36)

“The Irons have more volt flow than any other gang in New Reynes, thanks to me,” Levi continued.

“Maybe once,” Chez challenged. “Not anymore.”

“This is temporary. Give me nine days, and I’m going to solve all our problems.”

Chez’s eyebrows furrowed. “What comes after nine days?”

My freedom, Levi thought, although that wasn’t entirely true. In nine days, if he did manage to pay back Sedric, he’d be free of the investment scheme. But he’d never be free of Vianca. When all this was over, she’d just give him a new assignment, a new way to get himself killed and put volts in her pocket.

But maybe not. This was by far the worst job he’d ever done for her. She wouldn’t demand such risk from him next time. He hated how much he was under her power, how he had to cling to the hope that next time, she’d take pity on him. That next time, she’d show compassion.

You’re her bitch, Reymond had said yesterday. He’d been joking—Reymond was always joking—but it’d stung.

Levi was and always had been the Iron Lord, and it was time that meant something again.

“Our paycheck comes after nine days,” Levi answered. This wasn’t a lie; once the scheme was over, Levi could pay the Irons what the Irons were actually earning again. They were still the richest gang in the city, even if no one but him and Jac knew it.

“From now on,” Levi commanded, dropping his knife and stepping back from Chez, “if you’re thinking about pulling a knife on another gang, you clear it with me.”

Chez’s eyes narrowed. Levi could tell he was debating whether to challenge that order. Chez was coming awfully close to learning the truth of it: that Levi was stealing from his own gang. But it wasn’t that simple, and Levi wouldn’t do it if he didn’t need to. He loved the Irons, but he wasn’t sure he loved anything enough to die for it. Not when the problem was so close to vanishing.

Much to Levi’s relief, Chez nodded. Mansi nodded even more fervently, beaming with the kind of loyalty that made Levi’s stomach hurt. He didn’t deserve it.

Only Jac failed to react. He was exceptionally gray and still and quiet, even for him. It made Levi uneasy.

“Any other news to share?” Levi demanded. “Any questions?”

Chez shook his head.

“Then maybe we can get on with our meeting.”

Levi pulled out the bag of orbs in his pocket and handed them out. As the third, Chez was responsible for distributing the shares to the other Irons.

Chez didn’t waste any time. He pulled his meter out of his pocket and counted the volts, as if Levi would sting his own crew to their faces. “We need more,” Chez said, “for the dealers taking more shifts. They’re pulling extra weight, and they could use the volts.”

“We don’t collect from the dens for a few more days,” Levi said, echoing the excuse he’d given Jac earlier. “I would if I could.” He was tired of those words. Even if they were the truth, they felt like a lie. He could always do something more, give something else. Except, this time, he was truly out of options.

Chez’s eyes narrowed. “There should be more. Where are the other volts going? Where are the extra shares from last week?”

The extra shares were now in the whiteboot captain’s pocket.

“There weren’t any,” Levi said, swallowing his guilt.

It’s not supposed to be this way, he thought.

“But things are going to change,” Levi swore. “Real soon. In fact, an opportunity has come up, and I have a favor to ask both of you because of it.” Mansi nodded enthusiastically, but Chez didn’t respond. As always, he looked skeptical. Levi supposed Chez had little reason to believe him anymore. His word didn’t hold much value these days, and Chez needed more than promises from him—he needed action. “I’m looking for information about someone called Lourdes Alfero.”

“The one the missy yesterday was talking about?” Mansi asked.

“Yeah, but you need to be on the low about it. People will be after Alfero, I think, if they haven’t already found her.”

It was a dangerous favor to ask, which was why he didn’t add that Lourdes was a monarchist. He didn’t intend for Chez or Mansi to go digging and leave an incriminating trail. Lourdes was well-known, but only in a few circles—nothing that would’ve touched the Irons. The less they knew, the better.

He turned to Mansi. “I also need your help tonight.”

“For what?” she asked eagerly.

“I need you to help me sneak four people into the Sauterelle.” Mansi worked there as kitchen staff, as well as an amateur card dealer.

“Celebrating something?” Chez asked, a slight sneer in his voice.

“A business meeting of sorts,” Levi said.

Mansi nodded. “I can do that. No problem. Who’s going?”

“Me, Jac, that girl you met yesterday and a friend.” Reymond. He couldn’t say that in front of Chez. Tonight, he’d make Mansi swear to keep it a secret. It wasn’t fair to her, but Levi didn’t have the luxury of playing fair. “I’ll even bet a hand or two at their tables. You should play, too.”

She beamed. “I’ve been practicing. The boss says I could be as good as you someday.”