Chapter Seventeen

Summary

• Bryce had spent all night secretly investigating her friend Danika's murder suspect, Maximus Tertian. She presents a list of suspects to Hunt, who she's been working with on the case.
• Bryce had dug deeper into Maximus Tertian's life and had found that he had a girlfriend, which contradicts their Governor's claim that he knew Danika. She even visited the nail salon where Tertian’s girlfriend works, posing as a customer to gather more information.
• According to Bryce's investigations, there is a possibility that the Viper Queen could be involved in Danika's death, as Tertian was found dead just over the Viper Queen's borders. They discuss the complications of trying to meet with the Viper Queen, who is notoriously elusive.
• They also consider the potential involvement of the Autumn King, Bryce’s father, and strategize how to keep an eye on him without attracting his attention or violating any laws.
• Despite Hunt's orders for Bryce to share all her findings, she sneaks off to carry out her own investigations in the darker parts of the city.
• From Hunt's overhearing of Bryce's conversation with her cousin, Ruhn, it is implied that her father may have had some knowledge of Maximus's murder. Bryce told Hunt to have his people watch Ruhn's actions.
• In the end of the chapter, Hunt is angry at Bryce for not informing him of her investigations and warns her about potential danger.