Shackled (The Lord Series) by Amy T

401. Tyson - Malaky VI

Jasper's suggestion makes me chuckle softly. "Imagine having our pockets full of seeds all the time. Birds will flock all around us. Did I mention that birds are creepy?" I ask Jasper. When Jasper had chickens at the farm, I did everything I could to avoid seeing them. Birds are so...strange.

Feeling that I've calmed enough to change the subject, Jasper asks, "So, what's the plan?"

It takes me a minute or two to gather my thoughts. "Even if they are on the same side, Senator Ross and Senator Deymar have always been rivals." I lean forward and rest my arms on the porch's railing. "Senator Deymar's security is one of the best, especially now that a new Senate President will be elected. He has been trying for years to get into that position, but Senator Ross is the preferred candidate." The monarch butterfly lands on my forefinger. I slowly lift my hand and study it. For some reason, it reminds me of Olivia. "What if we make Senator Ross believe that Olivia's father is behind Malaky's kidnapping?"

While I want to kill Senator Deymar with my own hands, I need to be smart about this. If I play right my cards, I might kill two birds with one stone.

"I don't know if that will work," Jasper voices his concerns.

The more I think about it, the more sure I get that this will work.

I pull out my phone and dial Jon's number.

Jon picks up almost immediately. "Is it done?"

Jon knows everything about me wanting to kill Malaky and everyone else who has harmed Olivia.

"Not yet. I have a favor to ask," I say.

"I'm all ears," Jon says without hesitation.

Jon and Khloe are the best in-laws I could have asked for. Too bad Jon is a Duke. It's his only imperfection.

I take a moment to think of how to say what's on my mind. "How is your relationship with Hannah?"

This time Jon is not so quick to reply. "Not the best. Why?"

"If you were to call her to meet up, would she come?" I wonder.

"Perhaps. If she's in Veross City. Last I know, she was with Wesley in Washington, DC. Until last year, she tried to contact us several times, but we didn't dare write back because we feared she would learn of Spencer's existence. But why are you asking?"

My gaze is fixed on the butterfly, which is still on my finger. "You won't like this, but I need you to bring Hannah somewhere for me."

time. Maybe I shouldn't have

to tell him to forget about it when he says, "I'll see what I can do," before

The butterfly flies away.

He rubs his temples. "Olivia's family

who gave birth to her, Jon and Khloe

still haven't told me

and Ross to kill each other while we watch. After that, I'll finish what

falls around us. "Olivia can decide that after she finds

damn time," Jasper says just as Malaky's

the phone

me an account where I can transfer them,"

your son's eyes," I inform him. "I want one hundred unmarked bills. Oh, and you have to back away from becoming

let Senator Deymar know," I throw

I suspected, Senator Ross falls for it. "What does Deymar have to do

unless you

what he gave you to let

know the conditions," I say before ending the call. To Jasper, I say, "If he

to

the IV ready. A pole is

looks so pathetic.

the IV bag?" Malaky wants

him subdued. "Minerals and vitamins to hydrate you. I doubt you can drink or eat without hands. You can always shove your face into food like the pig you are. The toilet part will be more difficult." I look at Ansel. "Do we have a catheter with us?" Ansel starts looking through my backpack before giving me a thumbs-up.

catheter. What for?"

he squeals reminds me

some point, you will want to pee. Who do you think will

woman," Malaky says, trying to persuade us to change our

will have to untie you and risk

is not the time to get sick. I push through the

catheter slips away from his

him," I say to

and push him into the chair,

you keep moving, I'll remove