The Illuminati crew scattered into the mist.
The leader stayed, pulling off his mask.
Juan's brow creased hard. This was all he could do for them.
Debra and Marion hauled out of the valley.
Earlier when they were talking to that guy, she had clocked his limp. Plus, he had tapped his leg to drop hints.
Through those details, she had figured out it was Juan.
Juan had fed them a load of crap.
Erica was inside. The bishop would show himself if they managed to find her. He would let them go if they could make a deal.
It sounded reasonable but did not hold up.
The Illuminati had an edge over them. If the bishop wanted to meet, he wouldn't need to snatch Erica. Even if he had her, it'd be to trade for the gemstone they held.
He commanded, and they had to comply because they had zero leverage to negotiate. If they had no leverage, the bishop would not let them go.
This was the tip-off dropped by Juan. Her business instinct enabled her to perceive it.
She stepped up to him and added, "Dumped by a woman and falling from Annette. Pathetic. What's so great about Debra? You blew your cover for her. Worth it?"
Juan's face stayed stone-cold. He didn't bite.
Lara backed off a step. "Our master trusts you, but I don't. You botched his plan big time. Nobody's saving you now."
She spun and barked, "Grab him!"
"Who's gonna try?" Juan shot back. "Letting them go was our master's call. I just followed his orders."
"Bullshit!" she snorted.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Goodbye, Mr. Ex: I've Remarried Mr. Right