“Don’t worry,” Cold chuckled, seemingly amused by Jimmy’s obvious concern. “They can make the same promises all they’d like, but there’s a very distinct difference that ensures my victory.”
“What?” Jimmy turned his head to look up at Cold, finding him smirking slyly.
“I’m smarter than they are,” Cold said confidently. “I have every possible variable accounted for and have planned for all the conceivable outcomes. There is no ending where I do not win.”
“Whatever it takes, right?”
“Exactly,” Cold confirmed, kissing Jimmy’s neck and gently rubbing his shoulders. “Now... relax for me, Mr. Poe. That’s an order.”
“Mmmm... yes, sir.”
Chapter Thirteen
The days leading upto Thirdsies’ deposition were busy, each one flying by in a blink. Dario was given a very strong verbal warning to keep his discovery about Charlie to himself, although he later broke under Rowena’s scrutiny. She reveled in her new knowledge and cursed out Cold for his deception.
He was not affected by her rage, calmly citing the need to keep the FBI fooled so that Charlie could maintain his position.
For the sake of continuing their charade successfully, Cold also decided that none of them would meet with Charlie until at least after the deposition was over. It was far too critical for the case, and Cold needed it to go smoothly.
What exactly it had to do with Charlie, Jimmy didn’t know, and Cold was evasive when he asked about it.
“Remember there are questions I will not answer,” Cold warned him, “because you don’t want to hear the truth.”
“Does this have something to do with the third witness?” Jimmy demanded, recalling that he was in protective custody with the FBI and that was the only connection he could think of.
“Yes.”
The one Cold was going to kill.
“Right,” Jimmy conceded quickly. “I don’t wanna know.”
They didn’t speak of it after that.
The remaining arrangements for the wedding were done over the phone and through email, confirming menus, flowers, and so on. Piece by piece, the wedding was coming together, and even though it was certainly going to be beautiful, Jimmy was dreading it.
The ring on his finger still hadn’t changed his answer; or rather, his lack thereof. He wanted to marry Cold with all of his heart, but he didn’t know if he was ready under these difficult conditions.
