Dahlia left the Newport International terminal building with Jony and Hunter in tow.

“Bloody hell. I thought the UK was cold,” Jony said. “Couldn’t we just have conferenced in from the Chateau?”

Dahlia didn’t respond. She walked to the car she rented.

“Do you want me to drive?” Hunter asked.

“I’ve got this,” Dahlia said.

“Do you believe him?” Hunter spat.

“Alexei is no liar. He didn’t attack us. The story that the Shadow Dealers concocted was . . . too convenient. Something is up. Meeting in person is the best way to deal with the situation.”

Jony fiddled with the radio. He settled on a station with the best reception quality.

“Hello from the Tri-City area. Before we play more great classical music, Monte Phillips has a weather report,” the radio announcer said.

“Well, folks, the weather hasn’t let up much. The great whiteout of New Year’s Day still lingers. It has been snowing almost nonstop, which has been challenging for road crews. You shouldn’t travel if you don’t have to. If you do, be careful. We don’t need any more casualties. We are seeing a lot of low-pressure that has caused a nor’easter to form. It should be hitting the Tri-City area of Milford, Newport, and Haven tonight and may last several days. Stay tuned to WKBN AM for up-to-the-min—” The radio cut off.

“Sounds like we are stuffed,” Jony said.

“How long until we get there?” Hunter asked.

“One, maybe two hours. EIA is closest but was closed, so Newport was our only option. According to the GPS, we will be there in three hours,” Dahlia said.

“Brilliant,” Jony said.

They drove in silence for more than twenty minutes. Dahlia could sense that Hunter wanted to speak to her, but Jony was in the car so he restrained himself.

“Why don’t you get some rest, Jony? I’m going to need you sharp for tonight,” Dahlia said.

“We’re meeting tonight? I thought we would rest, and then meet at first light,” Jony said.

“I don’t want to stay any longer than necessary.”

Dahlia noticed Jony lie down in the back seat. Hunter stared out the window. After a few minutes, Dahlia could hear the rumblings of Jony’s snoring.

“He’s asleep. What did you want to ask me?” Dahlia asked.

Hunter gave her a sharp look.

“I know you want to ask, so speak before I change my mind.”

Stolen novel; please report.

“Is he . . .?” Hunter fell short of asking.

“Your father?” Dahlia completed Hunter’s question.

Dahlia glanced at Hunter as he shifted uneasily in his chair.

“Yes,” Dahlia said. “I was on a mission for your other father, and Alexei saved my life. We shared a moment before he brought me back.”

Hunter shot her a glance.

“How long have you known?” she asked.

“Just before you sent me to the Shadow Dealers, I went through your desk and found letters from doctors. They addressed the letters to Sarrin, my true father!” Hunter said.

“Sarrin was incapable of having children. We went to many specialists, and he thought the problem was with me,” Dahlia chuckled.

Dahlia’s uncharacteristic light mood didn’t affect Hunter.

“He was in denial,” she continued. “When I became pregnant, I told Sarrin that he would be a father. He had no idea.”

Hunter just looked out the window. Dahlia hated all this subterfuge. Sending him to the Shadow Dealers was supposed to be a punishment.

“I need you to behave tonight. Can you do that for me?”

“Fine!”

Hunter threw up his hands in frustration. Dahlia made the turn into Tage Manor’s private driveway. There was a large, ornate gate with an intercom built into a low wall. When she pressed a button, it came to life almost immediately.

“Can I help you?”

“Dahlia Frost here to see Mr. Tage.”

A few seconds later, she heard a loud buzzing sound, and the gate opened. The noise woke Jony.

“I need you on high alert, boys.”

A few minutes later, they were in front of Tage Manor.

As soon as Dahlia and her crew stepped near the Manor entrance, the front door opened.

“Ms. Dahlia Frost, welcome,” Mr. Tage said.

Dahlia eyed the old man.

“Come—you must be cold and hungry,” he continued.

Before Dahlia could react, a servant took her coat, gloves, and hat. She followed Mr. Tage into a large study. There were several comfortable-looking chairs, a couch, and a fireplace.

“Have a seat,” Mr. Tage said, pointing at a chair in front of the fireplace.

Jony and Hunter stood guard nearby. Mr. Tage’s butler offered Dahlia some tea. She waved a hand to dismiss it.

“Your . . . companions need not stand guard,” Mr. Tage told her. “You have nothing to fear from me, nor anyone else at Tage Manor.”

“Who else is here?” Dahlia asked.

“Some people you know, others you don’t, but we are all friends here.”

We will see about that!

“I wanted to spend some time with you before we joined the others,” Mr. Tage said.

“You’re probably wondering why I was so keen on making your acquaintance. The truth is that your reputation precedes you.”

“If you mean that I don’t take shit from anyone, you’re correct,” Dahlia said.

“What happened to your husband?”

Dahlia gave Mr. Tage a cold look.

“We were never married, so he wasn’t my husband. But . . . to answer your question, he died.”

“How?”

“He had many enemies. That is why he got a dagger plunged into his heart!” Dahlia said more harshly than she intended.

“I can see why they call you Black Hear—”

“Does this conversation have a point?” Dahlia interrupted. “I didn’t travel over four thousand miles to take shit from an old man.”

Mr. Tage laughed.

“No, I supposed you didn’t. Forgive my morbid curiosity.”

“Dahlia?” a voice from behind her said.

Dahlia looked and saw Alexei Breven in his custom tailored suit. He looked like he was going for a night out: quite a contrast from her black leather outfit.

“I’m only here to collect a favor from an old friend,” Dahlia said to him. “You can consider us even, regardless of the outcome of these meetings.”

“What’s he doing here?” Alexei said, pointing at Hunter.

“He stays with me,” Dahlia said.

“Dinner is served,” the butler said as he stepped into the room.

“After you, my dear,” Mr. Tage said to Dahlia.

Dahlia followed the butler into a large dining area. The table looked big enough to host at least two dozen people. On the left side were several people she knew, and some she didn’t were already seated. Dahlia and her crew sat next to Mr. Tage. Alexei sat across from her. Nigel stared at Hunter, who didn’t seem to pay any attention to Nigel. Hunter’s gaze was directed at the two women next to him.

“In honor of our guests overseas, my chef has prepared beef Wellington,” Mr. Tage announced.

Wine and juice glasses were filled, and the feast began.