kes my hackles rise, but she’s already
established I know nothing so she can’t ask me. The thought is annoying.
“We think there’s a connection with Detroit,” Christian says mildly. Too mildly.
Oh no, Kate —please give it up for now.
“Hyde is from Detroit, too?”
Christian nods.
The plane accelerates, and I tighten my grip on Christian’s hand. He glances
at me reassuringly. He knows I hate takeoffs and landings. He squeezes my
hand and his thumb strokes my knuckles, calming me.
“What do you know about him?” Elliot asks, oblivious to the fact we are
hurtling down the runway in a small jet about to launch itself into the sky, and
equally oblivious to Christian’s growing exasperation with Kate. Kate leans
forward, listening attentively.
“This is off the record,” Christian says directly to her. Kate’s mouth sets in a
sub一tle but thin line. I swallow. Oh shit.
“We know a little about him,” Christian continues. “His dad died in a brawl in
a bar. His mother drank herself into oblivion. He was in and out of foster
homes as a kid; in and out of trouble, too—mainly boosting cars. Spent time
in juvie. His mom got back on track through 252 | P a g e
E L JAMES
some outreach program, and Hyde turned himself around. Won a
scholarship to Princeton.”
“Princeton?” Kate’s curiosity is piqued.
“Yep. He’s a bright boy.” Christian shrugs.
“Not that bright. He got caught,” Elliot mutters.
“But surely he can’t ha一ve pulled this stunt alone?” Kate asks. Christian
stiffens beside me. “We don’t know yet.” His voice is very quiet. Holy crap.
There could be someone working with him? I turn and gape in horror at
Christian. He squeezes my hand once more but doesn’t look me in the eye.
The plane lifts smoothly into the air, and I get that horrible sinking feeling in
my stomach.
“How old is he?” I ask Christian, leaning close so only he can hear. Much as
I’d like to know what’s going on, I don’t want to encourage Kate’s questions. I
know they’re irritating Christian, and I’m sure she’s on his shit li
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