Chapter 050: Separating the Chains

Eli’s POV 

My secrets' weight was finally falling on me. Ava's expression betrayed both fury and loyalty, and I could see why. Believing it was safer that way, I had kept her in the dark for so long. But here she was, putting together the elements of my life I had always sought to divide.

"I did everything for Ava, all for you. Every danger, every lie—I was attempting to guard you, my voice unvarnished.

She gave out a sour laugh. "Guard me?" By driving me into peril without even realizing it?

I had replayed this scenario in my brain a thousand times, but now it was far more terrible. "I had no idea how far it would sink. When I initially became engaged with Marconi, it was straightforward. He needed someone on the inside, and I considered it as just temporary—until I had sufficient information to turn him in. But it veered out of control.

Ava's eyes closed as her rage flared. Eli, you could have told me. I had a right to know.

"Possibly. But, as you would know, they would have sensed it. "If Marconi had even a hint you knew, he would have turned you against me, Ava. He is merciless in that regard.

She crossed her arms, and I sensed the wall between us becoming taller. "Eli, what then is the endgame here? Right now, what is your plan?

Actually, I had been stumbling through this for months, waiting for the ideal opportunity to act—only that time had never materialized. She was not faking now she was caught in this web. I inhaled, then laid everything down.

"The only route out is via. Although I have been compiling proof against Marconi's network for months, I am near. Near something firm that will bring his operation down permanently.

Her eyes softened, just a bit. And you suppose you could bring him down?

"I do not think," I said. "I understand. He has become messy, and I have contacts ready to swoop in the instant I need. But another issue is that he has a mole in the CIA, someone who has been providing him with data. I have kept you out of it thus, Ava. If he discovers a leak, how much I know?

She wrinkled, considering the weight of it. "This is thus not only about you now. Everyone is engaged in this.

Exactly, I answered, appreciative she was seeing the intricacy of it all. But it will grow more perilous once he is aware of my intentions. I need your assistance.

Her eyes became wide with astonishment. "You...need my help?"

I nodded, the seriousness of the matter settling in much more. "Ava, none else I could rely on. I need someone outside to assist in organizing events—someone he does not suspect.

She listened silently as she worked through the weight of what I was asking down on both of us.

She came at last to meet my gaze. All right. Tell me exactly what you need me to accomplish.

Relief came over me mixed with an unresolved worry. "I need you to forward a note to Lucia, a woman one of my connections. She is our link to Marconi's financial records and under great cover. Our leverage comes from knowing whether we have evidence of his money laundering.

Ava asked Lucia again, as though she were committing the name to memory. "Where am I to locate her?

Her base is hidden as a coffee shop located in central Cairo. But you'll have to reach her with a password. She will know you are with me when you tell her the storm is on approach.

Ava let out a breath, the will in her eyes both inspiring and terrible. "Okay. Luna coffee. Password: The storm is about here. And just exactly what should I tell her?

My tone low, I told her it was time to bring down the lion. From there, she will know what to do.

Ava nodded, and for a minute the strain between us relaxed and was replaced with something unsaid, something neither of us could ignore. But the seriousness of the job dragged us back to reality as fast as the warmth settled.

She raised her shoulders and stood squared. I will be back tonight. With anything she presents to me.

Though I knew there was no other option, my stomach turned when I considered her entering the lion's lair. "Be cautious, Ava." Marconi does not leave free ends.

She turned to face me, a trace of rebellion in her eyes. " Neither do I."

Every instinct screaming at me to keep her safe from the peril ahead, I watched her go. I couldn't, though. Marconi had spies all about; if he suspected she was collaborating with me, everything would be over.

As I waited for her back-off, the hours passed, each one tinged with anxiety. I kept going back over our chat, wondering whether engaging her would have been the proper action. She was courageous, sure, but Marconi's world was merciless and she had no clue exactly how far his influence went.

From my thoughts, a soft knock on my door startled me. When I hurried to unlock it, Ava stood there looking exhausted but resolved.

She exclaimed, "It's done," waving a little envelope. "Lucia handed me this."

Within the envelope were a handwritten message and a flash disk. I read it aloud: "Here are Marconi's offshore records. Access calls for biometric clearance; you will have to be near.

"Biometric clearance," I said softly. That implies I need Marconi personally.

Ava creased her eyebrows. How? He has never allowed you to get near enough without mistrust.

One of the questions I had been debating had no simple response. But the more I considered it, the more one concept—though risky—started to develop.

"There is one way," I remarked gently. "This weekend Marconi is throwing a special charitable event. I could be near enough if I go incognito.

Ava let her eyes enlarge. "Eli, that is suicide." He will be familiar with you.

Not if my disguise is good. And that is an opportunity we might not have once more.

She shook her head, concern painted on her face. Then I will be following you. He won't know me, and should things go wrong, you will have backup.

"Ava, your battle is not this one. I cannot ask you to be in danger.

She moved nearer, her voice sharp. " Eli, you did not ask. Whether or not you like it, I am here with you.

We neither talked for a minute. Her eyes full of determination, she turned to me and I knew there was no talking her out of it. "Okay." Still, you keep near, follow my example, and leave if something seems odd. Not one query.

She nodded, a little grin flickering through her concern. "I'm trusting you, Eli. You have to trust me, though as well.

Her words calmed something in me, a warmth that got through the terror. " Let's bring him down, together."

We stood quiet, the weight of what was ahead falling upon us. And when I saw her gaze, I realized that we would be facing it side by side whatever occurred next.

Though the stakes had never been higher, I had an odd serenity for the first time. We were on the verge of something life-changing, and I knew neither of us would walk away the same regardless of the result.