Page 183 (1/2)

The line would have worked better before Diana had shaved her head and dressed to look like a boy, but Caine saw that Drake immediately took the bait

“That’s what you want?” Drake asked “You want ht? Either way, that’s good for you and this witch here”

“You’re stalling, Drake,” Caine said

Caine could practically read the psychopath’s ears in his head turned over the possibilities No way Drake could refuse

No way Not if he wanted to go on being Whip Hand Not if he ever hoped to replace Caine

“I’ll take Sa but that ca just a little wobbly

He must have been less than satisfied with the effect So with a lol he repeated, “I’ll stop Saht here”

Caine nodded, offering just the slightest acknowledgment He turned away from Drake and winked at Diana, who kept her expression carefully blank

Poor Drake It wasn’t enough to be ambitious A leader had to be smart A leader had to be ruthless and

Great leaders had to knohen to manipulate and when to confront

Most of all, a great leader had to knohen to take great risks

“Let’s hope they built that fuel rod strong,” Caine said

He raised his hands and the fuel rod rose, floated in the air, tethered at one end to the crane

“Hit the release,” Caine ordered

Jack said, “Caine, if it breaks open—”