Echoes of Secrets (Obsidian MC #7)

Chapter Sixteen

Evie

“This way, Ms. Winters.”

Gripping my cane tightly, I follow the receptionist down a sleek hallway to Viktor’s office.

Anthony Valdez. I repeat the name in my head like a mantra. One slip, just one, and I could blow the entire operation.

“Mr. Valdez will be with you shortly,” the receptionist says with a practiced smile before leaving me alone in the room.

The office is immaculate, almost unnervingly so. Not a speck of dust or a stray paper in sight. My eyes land on the computer perched on his pristine desk, and my pulse quickens. If I could just…

“Evie, don’t even think about it,” Knox’s voice buzzes in my ear, low and calm. “He’s heading your way now. You won’t have enough time.”

I let out a slow breath, resisting the temptation to roll my eyes. Of course, he knows what I’m thinking.

“Don’t take any unnecessary risks, baby,” Mitchell’s voice cuts in, softer but no less commanding. “Look around the room like you’re curious.”

His concern wraps around me like a protective shield, but it only steels my resolve.

Straightening my posture, I turn my attention to the fake awards along the wall.

The door swings open, and I instinctively straighten, tightening my grip on my cane. Viktor steps in, his smile practiced but not quite reaching his eyes. He’s a tall man, lean, with an air of calculated control that makes my skin crawl. He looks a lot like Mitchell, which I already knew from the images we’ve studied, but it’s unnerving.

“Ms. Winters,” he says, his voice smooth and warm like honey but with an edge I can’t ignore. Somehow, like Mitchell, he’s adapted the perfect American accent. “Thank you so much for coming in on such short notice.”

I force a polite smile. “Thank you for accommodating me. I know calling last minute wasn’t ideal.”

“Not at all,” he replies, crossing the room and gesturing to the chair opposite his desk. “Please, have a seat.”

I sit carefully, placing my cane against the armrest as he takes his seat behind the immaculate desk. He folds his hands on the surface, his dark eyes assessing me.

“With the influx of new clients and a few unexpected delays, I’m afraid this was the only opening I could squeeze in until next month,” he continues, his tone apologetic. “It seems fate smiled upon your timing.”

“It’s much appreciated,” I say, my voice steady despite the knot tightening in my stomach.

“Well,” he says, leaning back slightly and flashing a perfectly measured smile. “Let’s get started, shall we? You mentioned there was an issue with your insurance approval?”

I nod, feeling the earpiece in my ear like a ticking clock. Ninety seconds. Just ninety seconds when the opportunity arises.

“Yes. It’s been such a headache dealing with them,” I say, feigning frustration as I launch into the story we rehearsed. King said to stick as close to the truth as possible so I don’t get any details wrong. “They denied my claim for a prosthetic twice. Said it wasn’t medically necessary, even though my doctor submitted all the required documentation.”

His brow furrows, a picture-perfect display of concern. “How unfortunate. I see cases like this all the time. Insurance companies will use every trick in the book to avoid payouts. Let’s take a closer look at your file, shall we?” he looks at his computer for a minute before speaking. “It says here that you were approved by a company not affiliated with your insurance. Is that right?”

“Yes, sir,” I answer honestly. “They saw the denial from my insurance and decided I was a good candidate for one of their new models,” I tap my new prosthetic. “They gifted this to me at no cost but still suggested I see a lawyer about the emotional turmoil my insurance put me through.”

Viktor tilts his head, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly as he processes my response. The polite concern etched on his face doesn’t falter, but there’s a flicker of something sharper in his gaze. Curiosity, maybe, or calculation.

“A generous gesture on their part,” he says smoothly, his tone laced with faint disbelief. “Not many companies are so... altruistic.”

I offer a tight smile, gripping the armrest of the chair to steady myself.

Relax, Evie. If I can see your tension through the cameras, he can too.

“It’s rare, I agree,” I say, forcing my hands to relax. “But they said it was part of a marketing campaign to showcase how effective their technology is. I guess I got lucky.”

“Lucky indeed,” he murmurs, turning back to his computer. His fingers tap against the keyboard, the faint clatter filling the otherwise silent room. “Did they happen to provide any documentation for the prosthetic? I’d like to include it in your file.”

My heart pounds, but I keep my expression neutral. “Yes. I can forward you the paperwork if you think it’s necessary.”

Knox’s voice buzzes softly in my ear. “Good. Keep him distracted. I’ve almost got a window to cut the power.”

“If you don’t mind,” he smiles. “I’m sorry you had to go through all of that.”

I nod slightly as if agreeing with Viktor. “It’s been a rollercoaster, to be honest. The denial, the constant back-and-forth with my insurance. It’s exhausting.” I sigh for effect. “I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”

Viktor leans back in his chair, the picture of professional empathy. “It’s shameful, truly. No one should have to fight so hard for what they’re entitled to.” He laces his fingers together, his tone dropping slightly. “But you’re in the right hands now. I’ll make sure we get to the bottom of this.”

Knox’s voice cuts in again, urgent this time. “Cutting the power in five… four… three…”

I brace myself, schooling my features as Viktor leans forward to pull a file from his drawer. This is it. I’ve got one shot.

Viktor’s attention shifts fully to the file in front of him, his fingers flicking through the pages with practiced ease. I take a slow breath, my pulse racing as Knox counts down in my ear.

“Two... one…”

The lights flicker.

For a split second, I think my heart stops, but then the power goes out completely. The hum of the office fades to silence. Viktor’s head snaps up, a brief flash of confusion crossing his features.

“Damn it,” he mutters under his breath, standing up quickly. “I apologize, Ms. Winters. We’ve been having electrical issues all morning, but this is the first time the power has gone completely out. I need to check with my staff. Please, stay right here. I’ll be back in a moment.”

I nod, forcing myself to keep calm as he strides out of the room. The door clicks shut behind him.

As soon as I hear the sound of footsteps retreating down the hall, I act. Without wasting a second, I reach into my bag, pull out the pen drive drive, and slide it into the computer. My hands are shaking, but I move quickly, knowing that every second matters.

Knox’s voice buzzes in my ear, low and steady. “I’ve been looping the cameras in his office for the past three minutes. Viktor is heading down the stairs. You have plenty of time. Relax, Evie.”

“You’re doing so good, baby,” Mitchell says. “King’s man is three doors down from you. He can get to you in a few seconds. You’re safe, Princess.”

The files begin to transfer, the progress bar creeping along steadily.

“Keep it steady,” Knox advises. “Almost there. Fuck, he’s heading back up. What’s it at?”

“Forty percent,” I whisper, panic setting in. “I need more time.”

I stare at the computer screen, watching the seconds tick down as the data begins to copy over. There’s no room for error.

“Damnit, he’s back on the floor….wait. King’s buddy just intercepted him. I could kiss him right now. I wish he would have accepted an earpiece so I could beg for his hand in marriage. My hero.”

The computer dings, indicating that the file has been transferred. I yank the pen drive out and shove it in my pocket. I’m careful not to touch anything else, and I’m doubly careful to make sure nothing is moved. I’m not about to get sloppy now.

I glance around quickly, making sure everything is just as it was. The computer screen has my file pulled up just like it was before.

I turn and quickly retake my seat and pull out my phone. I open up my reading app just as Viktor steps back into the room, an irritated frown on his face. “I apologize,” he sighs. “I left my keycard in my desk and couldn’t access the staircase to the security floor.”

Shaking his head, he walks to his desk, and I hold my breath. But he doesn’t see anything out of place. He simply opens his drawer and pulls out a badge.

“Lights back on in three…”

“I will just be a moment,” he says.

“Two…”

“Would you like something to drin…”

The lights turn on and I hear the cooling unit start back up.

“Oh, well, good,” he laughs.

I force a smile and put my phone away, acting as if the interruption is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. “I’m glad it’s fixed. I would really have hated to descend the fifteen floors without an elevator.”

I laugh, trying to seem as relaxed as possible.

Viktor laughs, retaking his seat. He slides the badge into the top pocket of his jacket before giving me his full attention. His eyes flicker toward the computer, but there’s no sign of suspicion. I keep my posture relaxed, hands carefully folded in my lap to hide any potential signs of nervousness.

“Luckily, our backup generator would have kicked on,” he smiles. “Even I don’t want to make that long trip down.”

I laugh, trying my best not to make it sound forced.

“Now, Ms. Winters, let’s get back to business. I want to make sure everything is in order with your case.”

I nod, keeping my voice steady. “Of course. I appreciate your help with this.”

He pulls out a file and sets it in front of me. As he opens it, I resist the urge to glance at the computer. Part of me is still hyper-aware of every move he makes. But he doesn’t seem to notice anything unusual. The moment of tension has passed.

“Now, where were we?” he asks, more to himself than to me. He flips through the pages, mumbling about insurance policies and legalities.

I focus on my breathing, counting the seconds until I can leave. My pulse is still too fast, my heart racing with the knowledge that we’re one step closer to pulling this off.

A long and terrifying hour later, I’m being led to the receptionist to schedule my next appointment.

“Make the appointment, baby,” Mitchell says. “Don’t need him being suspicious.”

Internally nodding, I make my appointment and head to the elevator.

“Pardon me, miss,” a man says as he steps into the elevator with me, along with a few other people. He’s an average-looking man, but his eyes say something completely different. This man has a past. And not a very good one. “That was one crazy power storm,” the man says, causing everyone to laugh.

When we exit the elevator, everyone goes their separate ways, but something he said struck me. I’ve never heard of a power outage called a power storm before.

Storm.

It couldn’t have been King’s friend. He didn’t look anything like him. For one, he’s black and the man in the elevator was as pale as me.

Shaking it off, I head outside.

We agreed that I would take a taxi to and from the building just in case everyone was still being watched. But, when I exit the taxi ten minutes later, I’m wrapped in warm arms that hold me as if afraid I might float away.

“Never again,” Mitchell growls above my head. “I almost had a fucking heart attack.”

I don’t say anything because nothing I say will help him. I simply lean up and kiss his jaw.

When he finally lets me go, I turn my attention to King.

“I think I met your friend,” I tell him. “But he didn’t look anything like the picture you showed me.”

“Master of disguise,” he says, rolling his eyes. “I told him not to do that shit this time around.”

I pull out my earpiece and hand it, and the drive, to Knox.

“You’re amazing,” he smiles. “A freaking warrior.”

“Come on, Pup,” Taylor shakes his head.

“Emily and I are going to be working nonstop until we find something,” he tells me. “If you want, you can come hang out. We might not be very much fun, but we would still love to have you. Bring food, though. And energy drinks.”

“Come on, Princess,” Mitchell says, his brows still pinched. “I need to get you to safety.”

“Can we go to the clubhouse,” I ask. “I want us to spend time with your family while Knox and Em do their thing.”

“ Our family,” he corrects. “And, of course. But I’ll send someone else for food and energy drinks. I just need to get you within secure walls.”

“I love you,” I say as we make our way to his car.

“So fucking precious,” he says, smiling down at me. “My beautiful, brave Princess.”

I blush, because what else is a girl to do?