Chapter 31 Riven #2
“She said that she overheard her husband on speakerphone the other day. He was talking to Sabel about the next frequency they are working on. It’s called the Eden Frequency, and from the sound of it, they are planning to use it to implant a permanent hypnotic state that can be activated by a single word.
” Elle’s information about the Eden Frequency was correct.
It’s progressing faster than I anticipated. This must be phase two.
“What are they planning to do with it, though?” I ask aloud, but mostly to myself.
“Not sure. That’s all she heard. But I’m sure we can all use our imaginations for the possibilities surrounding it.” The things that come to mind aren’t pleasant, that’s for sure.
“How would they ‘implant’ something like that?” Cal questions.
“If I had to guess, probably using hypnosis. Think of it like an implanted thought that serves as the ‘lock box,’ and the word is the ‘key.’ If that makes sense,” I say, considering the possibility myself.
“The real question, though, is what are they going to let out of the box?” Kai asks. I look over at him in astonishment, forgetting how fucking smart the guy is when he applies himself.
“Yes, exactly,” I say. Kai grins.
“So, what do we do?” Cal questions.
“We need a plan. We need to get on the inside and find out who Sabel works for. She isn’t running this thing on her own. We need to know exactly how far they plan to go with this. We need to dismantle their empire,” I say, as if it’s all going to be that easy.
“What if we try to expose the Eden Frequency for what it is?” Raithe offers. “Blow it out of the water before it has time to spark.”
“No, that’s too risky,” I say. “Too many variables, and whistle blowers always end up dead.”
“What about Sloane?” Cal questions, turning to face me.
“What about her?” I hiss. He studies me for a second, a knowing expression on his face.
“Well, she is an investigative journalist. What if she—”
“Absolutely not. She’s already too involved,” I spit. “You fucking know that.” Cal doesn’t flinch.
“Have you told her?” It takes me a second to realize what Cal is asking, but I decide to act like I don’t.
“Told her what?” I question, eyes shifting between his. I hear Raithe sigh beside me.
“That you and Vantros are the same person,” Cal deadpans.
“No. I can’t. You know that I can’t. Not now, anyway,” I say back. Cal scoffs.
“So, are you two like dating now?” Kai chimes in.
“Something like that,” I answer.
“So, she’s technically still available then?” Raithe tests.
“Fuck no. Don’t you fucking—” I stand, charging toward Raithe. Callum grabs my wrist, pulling me back down.
Raithe holds up both of his hands in surrender. “Chill, Riv. I was only joking.” I lean back, reining in my rising temper. I’m about to tell Raithe to fuck off one more time when my phone rings. I sigh, pulling it from my pocket and looking down to see “Elle” on the screen.
“I need to get this,” I say to the guys, leaving the room and walking outside to take the call.
“Elle,” I grind out.
“Oh, goody, another attitude. Who pissed in your cereal this morning?” she responds.
I sigh. “I’m sorry, Elle. I’m with the guys, and you know how Raithe can be.” I pause. “How are you?”
“Ah, there’s those manners I taught you. I’m well. But the reason I’m calling … We have a bit of a problem, Riven.” Her tone shifts to a more serious one. What now?
“What is it?” I ask.
“Sloane.” This is the second time I hear her name in that tone, and I fucking hate it.
“She called me. She’s the daughter of one of my close friends, actually.
” Elle pauses. “She called asking about some photos. Photos that sounded a lot like the ones that are supposed to be in your possession.” How could the universe hate me so much that of all the PIs in the city, Sloane and I are working with the same fucking one? !
“I did … I do have them. I had to get them back from her. She stole them from me.” Elle starts to speak, but I stop her. “Don’t worry. Sloane doesn’t know that I have them. She doesn’t know who I am regarding her father.”
“Okay, fine. But you should know that Sloane’s looking into David, and she asked me to find out who stole the photos from her.” David Gallinsky is the man in the photos with Gideon. I’ve been on his trail for weeks, trying to figure out how he’s involved with Sonus.
She laughs. “Funny, isn’t it? Don’t answer that.” I can hear the sarcasm in her voice. “Look, about David.” She pauses. “He’s actually headlining a review board as the frequency specialist at Sonus. I think Gideon was involved.” I fucking figured as much.
“Shit,” I say. “Elle, I’m sorry. How was I supposed to know she’d come to you for help? You obviously can’t tell her that I have them or about David’s involvement,” I say.
“Riven.” She goes silent. No, she wouldn’t.
“Elle,” I warn.
“Look, I won’t tell her you have them. I have to tell her something, though.
I’ll keep it surface level.” She pauses.
“But you need to clean this up. It’s messy, and I don’t like messy.
I can only protect you from so much. You have to decide what it is that you want, because you’re playing a dangerous game and you might lose everything,” she chides.
“Yes, Mom,” I joke. “No, really. I appreciate it, Elle. I will. Thanks for looking out for me when no one else will.”
“You know I’m almost always your number one fan, kid.” She chuckles.
“Almost?” I ask.
“Yep, almost. You can be a grumpy asshole sometimes,” she says.
“Ahh, that.” I sigh. “Yeah, I should probably work on that.” I laugh.
“I understand. I know what you’ve been through.” She pauses. “Anyways, I’ll talk to you later. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will. Thanks again, Elle.” I hang up.
I stand outside for a moment longer, wondering how I got so lucky to have Elle, who’s not only my PI but also my good friend. I don’t know what I did to deserve her loyalty, but I’m certainly thankful for it. I pocket my phone and head back inside.
The guys are all in the same places that I left them. No one seems to have lost it or attacked anyone in the minutes that I was away. Thank fuck, because I’ve got enough on my hands. I walk over and take a seat next to Cal.
“Okay, here’s the plan. Cal will investigate on the inside.
He’s the best with surveillance and stealth.
” Cal nods. “My PI is also looking into it. She’ll let me know if she finds anything.
Otherwise, let’s continue to parade as Sabel’s ignorant puppets for now.
I don’t want her catching wind that we’re on to Sonus. ”
“Got it,” Kai says.
“Whatever you say, leader,” Raithe mutters. I look over at him, noticing how he keeps looking over his shoulder at the back wall. What is his problem?
“Anyway, where were we?” I ask. “Oh, Cal. I forgot to check in with you. Other than installing that security system for me, which is working beautifully by the way, so thank you, what else have you been up to?” Cal’s leaning back against the sofa, assuming the most pathetic excuse for a relaxed posture that I’ve ever seen.
I’m not sure he has it in him to just be. He’s always on edge.
“No problem, happy to help. Sloane’s great, by the way.
” He looks away. “I can see why you like her so much.” I don’t take his comment for anything other than its genuine intent.
Cal isn’t the “steal your girl” type. He’s more of the “protector” type.
I know he’s looking out for me—for all of us, all of the time.
It’s kind of sad. Cal deserves happiness as much as any of us.
In fact, he’s probably the one who deserves it the most.
“I know. I know, Cal. Thanks, man.” I lean over and pat him on the shoulder. He tenses, always so awkward about physical contact.
“But Sloane did try to set me up with her friend.” Cal huffs out a low laugh.
Ahhh, so that’s why my little nightmare was asking about Cal’s last name.
For Lydia, she said. That would most definitely be a hilarious turn of events.
Lydia with Callum? I can picture it now.
The two of them could not be more different.
The meet and greet was very telling of Lydia’s bubbly, overflowing personality.
I’ve never seen Cal more tense in my entire life than when Lydia Aston was gawking up at him like he was a Greek God.
“Yeah, I kind of gave her your last name?” I wince, hoping this information doesn’t piss him off.
“Oh.” He coughs, clearing his throat. Is he bothered by this? Is he bothered, bothered? “Well, you know I’m not exactly dating anyone,” he says, turning to glare at me.
“Oh, come on, man, Lydia is a fucking smoke show! All that energy in that tight little—” Raithe starts, but doesn’t get to finish his sentence.
“What the fuck did you just say?” Cal stands, fists pressed firmly into his sides. Cal’s fuming. I’m so stunned by his reaction that I don’t even try to stop him. Cal takes a step toward Raithe, and in an odd turn of events, Kai jumps up from across the room and steps between them.
“Alright, Cal, breathe. It’s Raithe, he says dumb shit all the time, okay? Let it go,” Kai says, placing his palms on Cal’s chest and pushing him back slowly. Cal seems to calm down, stepping backward until his calves are touching the sofa. He sits down facing Raithe.
“Keep her name out of your filthy mouth,” Cal grits out.
“Got it. No names starting with S or L coming from this mouth ever again,” Raithe says, bringing his hand up to his mouth to motion that his lips are sealed. I nearly roll my eyes at Raithe’s constant need to make everything in life a fucking joke.
“Sorry, I gave her your last name, man. I can tell Sloane to tell her—”
“No!” Cal oddly raises his voice. “No, I mean … it’s fine. I’ll talk to her myself if she reaches out.” Okay, I’m also never mentioning names that start with L again.
“Okay.” I turn away from Cal. “Can everyone act civilized from here on out?” I ask, assessing each one of the guys.
“Yes, professor,” Raithe jokes. I decide that I’ve had enough of whatever the fuck Raithe’s problem is today.
“Jesus, man, do you ever take anything fucking seriously? What are you even doing with your life? Chasing women? Having orgy parties? Is that all you’re good for?!” I say, snapping. The room goes silent. Raithe stiffens.
“Okaaaayyyy then,” Kai says, standing. “I think it’s time we end this one.” He extends his hand out to me, and I grab it, standing as he pulls me into a weird side hug thing.
“It’s okay, man. Let it go. Raithe will find his way, like the rest of us,” Kai whispers into my ear before letting me go. He follows that up with a pat to my upper arm. When did Kai become so full of wisdom and positivity, and what is that therapist doing to him?
“Alright, I’m gonna head out, guys. Got a hot date with Emery.” All of our eyes shoot to him.
“Joking,” Kai says, wearing a shocked expression. “Geez, you guys are a tough crowd today. Get some rest, drink some water, touch some grass, go for a walk.” He lists them off like they are a part of his everyday routine, and I find myself wondering if they are.
“See ya, Kai. And hey … I’m proud of you,” I admit. Kai smiles, looking down at his worn black Converse as he picks at his chipped black nail polish.
“Yeah, yeah. See ya later,” he says, walking out of the room.
“Later, man!” Raithe yells.
“See ya,” Cal calls out. I turn my attention to the two men left in the room with me, deciding that I’m not ready to speak to Raithe after my outburst.
“Cal, thanks again for the security system. I owe you one. Let me know if you change your mind about Lydia. We can all grab drinks one night,” I say, eyeing Cal for a reaction. He flinches at the mention of Lydia’s name, as if I said the most offensive word in the dictionary. No, then. Got it.
“I’m gonna head out, too,” Cal says. “Got some stuff to take care of.” He looks up at Raithe and scoffs, deciding he’s also still not speaking to Raithe. Cal turns and walks out of the room. Now it’s only my brother and me. Wonderful.
“Look, man. I’m sorry for what I said about Sloa—” He stops, correcting himself. “S and L. This lifestyle works for me, okay? You guys don’t need to understand it. I work, I pay bills, I contribute to the band. Is that not enough?”
“Raithe. You’re a bartender. I wouldn’t consider that—”
“A hot bartender.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me.
“Which means I make a shit ton of tips. You forgot that I’m also an entertainer.
That income is pretty legit.” I’m finding it difficult not to backhand him like our father would right about now.
The memory of how traumatizing that was for all parties involved is the only thing that stops me.
“Entertainer, really? Is that what the kids are calling videoing yourself for likes and views nowadays?” I scoff.
“Kid? Really, Riv? I’m two years younger than you. Knock it off. You’re starting to piss me off.” He runs his hands through his unruly dark hair, a nervous tic that mirrors my own.
“Good, maybe you can use that anger as fuel. Raithe, if you don’t quit this shit, you’re going to end up just like—”
“Dad, right? Say it, Riven!” he spits, stepping into me.
“Say it.” He’s seething. “I am nothing like that piece of shit. He disappeared from our lives without a single word. You know I am not like him. Is that what you think of me?” He looks hurt.
Good. I need him to feel something other than the instant gratification of a couple hundred thousand followers, or a fucking orgasm.
“Aren’t you, though?” I push, stepping into him. “The drinking, the pointless sex …”
He growls, coming at me full force. I see something flash behind his eyes that sends a shiver down my spine.
He’s not himself today, but that won’t stop me from kicking his ass.
Maybe if I hit him hard enough, it will knock some sense into him.
I meet him with a fist to the jaw, which he counters with a fist very close to my eye socket.
I nearly dodge the blow, and he spits blood onto the floor over his right shoulder.
“Are you done?” I ask.
“Are you?” he counters.
I sigh, running a hand through my hair.
“Yes.” I look up at him. “Truce?” I ask, extending my right hand.
“Truce,” he says, extending his right. We shake, and that’s it.
This is our process. We piss each other off to the point of physical violence, and then it’s out of our system for a couple of months.
It’s not exactly healthy, but it’s us. Every time, I hope that I knock some sense into him.
And every time, he proves to be even more of a pain in my ass.
Here’s to hoping this time’s different.