I swallow hard. “And you think they killed them?”
Alvarez nods. “Yes. It was them.”
The words hit like a punch. My chest tightens.
Alvarez leans forward, his tone steady but heavy. “We intercepted Tyrique on one of his runs. He’d been caught stealing product from them, and they told him if he ever betrayed them again, they’d kill his family. They kept him in debt, tied to them for life. That’s why he agreed to work with us… he wanted out.”
I stare at him, numb. “And now they’re dead because of it.”
Alvarez doesn’t look away. “I assure you, he was made aware of the risks. We were close to bringing them down, and he was our way in.”
“How did they find out he was working with you?”
“That’s the part we still can’t figure out. Everything was running smooth until you busted him here in Atlanta. We decided to let it play out, since you ended up being extra protection without even knowing it.”
Suddenly the room feels too tight, like the air’s been pulled out of it. My shoulders tense, and a slow, crawling heat spreads across my chest. I shift in the bed, trying to keep my breathing steady. I swallow hard, trying to keep it together, but every instinct in me is screaming to get out.
“We believe, you’re not safe either. We want to take you into protective custody while we continue our investigation,” Agent Carter adds.
The words spark something sharp in me. I sit up as much as I can, shaking my head. “No. I’m not hiding from the cowards who murdered my family.”
Carter tries again, voice firm but not unkind. “Detective Banks, this cartel isn’t small. Their operation spans the entire country. They won’t stop. If they think you know anything, or if they want to send a message, you’re a target.”
I glare at him through tears. “Why should I go with you? You couldn’t keep my family safe. What makes you think you can keep me safe?”
Neither of them answers right away. The silence is heavy, pressing down on me.
Agent Carter doesn’t flinch. He steps closer, voice unwavering. “You’re right. We failed your family. We should’ve moved faster, should’ve had more protection in place. I won’t stand here and pretend otherwise. But you’re still alive, and that means we have a chance to do better.”
I shake my head. “A chance? That’s all you’ve got? My family was everything to me. And now they’re gone. Fuck you and your chance!”
Agent Alvarez takes a deep breath, his tone heavier. “Listen to me. The cartel didn’t just kill them to punish Tyrique. They want to send a message to us or anyone who thinks about crossing them. That message doesn’t end with your family. It extends to you.”
“So what, you think they’re coming for me next?”
Alvarez nods. “Yes. They know who you are. They know you’re Tyrique’s sister. And if they believe you know anything about his work with us, they won’t hesitate.”
I press my hands against the blanket, trying to steady myself. “And you want to lock me away? Hide me?”
Carter’s voice softens. “Protective custody isn’t hiding. It’s survival. We can move you somewhere safe, change your identity if we have to. It’s the only way to keep you out of their reach.”
I shake my head hard. “No. I’m not running from them.”
Alvarez exhales, frustration flickering in his eyes. “You don’t understand how dangerous they are. This isn’t some street gang. Drugs, weapons, money laundering. They have reach, resources, and no conscience. If they want you gone, they’ll find a way.”
I stare at him, voice breaking. “Then why should I trust you? You couldn’t keep Tyrique safe. You couldn’t keep my parents safe. Why should I believe you can keep me alive?”
The room goes quiet. Carter finally answers, his voice low. “Because we don’t have a choice. You’re the only link left to Tyrique’s work. If we lose you, we lose everything he risked his life for. And if you stay out there alone, they’ll take you too.”
The silence hangs heavy after Carter’s words. I can feel Tony’s eyes on me, steady, and protective.
Agent Alvarez glances at him. “Detective, could you give us a moment alone with Londyn?”
Tony stiffens. “She’s been through enough. You want me to leave her now?”
Carter’s tone is firm but polite. “We need to speak with her directly. Please.”
Tony looks at me. I nod, even though I don’t want him to go. He squeezes my hand before stepping out. The door clicks shut, and suddenly it’s just me and the suits.
