Contents
CHAPTER 24: ROHAN
Overview
Rohan abandons an unproductive interrogation of Nora to take Jameson Hawthorne’s call about the Devil’s Mercy sigil, framing it as an endless pattern with alchemical meaning—power sought as immortality and gold. He reveals access runs through the duchess, resists sharing their captive lead, and ignores Jameson’s warnings. After a charged exchange with Savannah, an unknown woman calls to say their offer to Rohan already stands, escalating stakes on multiple fronts.
Summary
While Brady sits in silence opposite their captured watcher, Nora, Rohan notes her unnerving stillness and the team’s failure to extract more information. Savannah pushes to leave for England, but Rohan stresses the threat to Gigi as leverage. Hearing nothing inside, he steps away when Alisa Ortega’s phone (in his possession) rings.
Out in the bayou, with Savannah tailing him, Rohan answers Jameson Hawthorne. Jameson demands reentry to the Devil’s Mercy and presses for the meaning of its sigil. Rohan describes the endlessly repeating triangle–circle–square pattern, links a subset to the alchemical symbol for alchemy, and frames the Mercy’s pursuit as timeless: immortality and gold. When Jameson asks about entry, Rohan names the current Factotum—the duchess—as gatekeeper, then reveals he’s in St. Adelaide Parish, tied to Calla Thorp. Jameson urgently warns him off; Rohan hangs up.
Rohan uses Savannah’s proximity to test boundaries, tracing Calla’s fleur-de-lis necklace and probing Savannah’s motives. Savannah rejects distractions, insisting her only priorities are Gigi’s safety and getting Brady to England to reach the duchess. She admits a personal history that soured her on performative romance, briefly revealing vulnerability before both refocus on security.
Alerted by a sound, Rohan finds and gentles a feral calico kitten, then hands it to a startled Savannah. The phone rings again. Expecting Jameson, Rohan answers, only to hear an unidentified woman remind him that he’d asked for an offer—and that they have already made one. The call signals competing forces moving to recruit or direct Rohan as the Mercy lead intensifies.
Who Appears
- RohanStrategist juggling Nora’s interrogation and Jameson’s demands; explains the Mercy sigil, withholds leads, and fields a mysterious offer.
- Savannah GraysonDetermined to protect Gigi and reach the duchess; eavesdrops on Rohan’s call, reveals family resentment, resists distractions.
- Jameson HawthorneCalls Rohan, desperate about Avery and the Devil’s Mercy; presses for meaning and access, warns Rohan off Louisiana.
- NoraCaptured watcher; stonewalls interrogation with eerie stillness, implying deep training and withheld intel.
- BradyMonitors Nora in silent opposition, temporarily leading a nonconfrontational interrogation attempt.
- Gigi GraysonInsists on staying despite danger, anchoring Savannah’s protective focus and Rohan’s leverage.
- The DuchessReferenced as the Devil’s Mercy Factotum; critical gatekeeper for access Jameson seeks.
- Unknown female callerPhones Rohan at the end, stating their prior offer stands, hinting at competing agendas.