Chapter 6 · The Shard in Marlow’s Hand

“Do not move.” Sera’s blade pressed under Eli’s jaw before he could reach for the recorder.

He stopped with one hand halfway to the blackglass box. Her other hand caught the front of his coat and shoved him back against the workbench. Metal tools jumped under his spine.

“Your timing is getting worse,” Eli said.

“Your breathing is getting louder.”

“That usually happens when someone puts a knife on me.”

“Then breathe quieter.”

Her face was close enough for him to feel the heat of her skin. A loose strand of dark hair brushed his cheek. Eli hated that he noticed. He hated even more that she noticed him noticing.

Sera tilted the blade. “You heard the recording. Say what you know.”

“I know the court crown is involved.”

“Not good enough.”

“I know the bomber is hiding inside the court.”

“Still not good enough.”

“I know you are standing between me and a very expensive piece of evidence.”

Her eyes narrowed. “You are trying my patience.”

“You brought a knife to an interrogation. I assumed patience was already dead.”

The blackglass box sat open on the bench between them. Its cracked surface still held a faint red glow.