Page 16 of To Catch a Sub

“You will have to give us some information,” Anu said coldly.

“Are you going to protect me?” she countered, looking not at the director, but at Landon.

“Ma’am,” Anu said, “we will need details in order to assess your information and justify the expense and manpower needed to protect you.”

Colette looked over at Anu, and Landon wanted her to look back at him.

“I was in Novgorod,” Colette said after a long pause. “That’s where my client was.”

Barry’s eyes widened and he leaned over, whispering something to Anu. “Double check, please,” she said in response.

Colette smiled. “Let me guess, you’re already aware of at least some of what is happening in Novgorod? Imagine what you could do if you knew where they were crossing the border, where they were staying, and the name of the trucking company.”

Landon looked at Barry, whose grimace meant Colette was right.

Once again, she had the upper hand. Landon’s teeth ground together. Deep down, where he’d never admit it, he was impressed by how easily she was playing them.

“You’re right. That information would be incredibly valuable. Providing us with those details could save lives.” Anu was calm and collected, all hints of irritation erased. “But you want something in exchange for those people’s lives and freedom.”

The guilt trip didn’t work. Colette kept smiling. “Yes.”

“Very well. In exchange for information on both the diamond and the trafficking, we will offer you protection.”

“I’ll give you what you need to arrest the traffickers, but the diamond information…I’m holding on to that to make sure you don’t change your mind.”

“No, you will?—”

“I will not,” Colette cut in, her voice firm but pleasant. “I will give you the information on the diamond once I’m safe.”

Landon looked at Anu, but she was leaning in to listen to Barry, who’d been busily tapping on his tablet, probably messaging people. Anu’s lips flattened into a thin line, but then she nodded to Barry, whispering something before sitting up straight and looking at Colette.

“Ms. Beaumont, Interpol extends an offer of protection in exchange for your information on the activities in Novgorod.”

If Landon hadn’t been looking at her, he wouldn’t have seen the slight drop in her shoulders, or the way her fist, resting on her lap, relaxed.

She really was scared.

Or he was a fool, and she was playing him with every breath she took.

“In fact,” Anu said, “we have a new initiative, and placing you in that facility will offer you excellent protection.”

Landon sat up straight, staring at his boss in desperation. Surely she wasn’t going to…

“We’ll arrange for your UKPPS to be handled by Interpol. You’ll be housed in Interpol’s new venture—Club Alibi.”

Landon’s life flashed before his eyes.

“What’s Club Alibi?” Colette asked slowly, for the first time sounding uncertain.

“It’s a BDSM club.” Anu smiled. “I hope you’re not a prude, Ms. Beaumont, as you’ll be expected to obey all the club rules while you’re there.”

“A…” Colette shook her head. “Je suis désolé, je ne vous ai pas entendu.”

“Interpol co-owns a BDSM club. It’s in London.” Barry smiled helpfully.

“And you expect me to…” Colette’s mouth opened, closed.

She was speechless. That was a first. Too bad Landon was too, so he couldn’t enjoy it.