I sob into the phone for probably five minutes, and Ella does nothing but listen.
When my rasping sobs become quiet whimpers, she asks more forcefully, “How can I help?”
I’m not sure why I believe her, but I do. I always have. So, with a shaking voice, I say, “Get Eagan and bring him to my apartment. One hour.”
“Done.”
“Please tell me the paperwork was finalized?” I beg Parker as he sits in Owen’s office chair, looking like he spent the last thirty minutes crying.
He probably did.
“Everything is signed, but still needs the final approval from the board,” he says at last.
“Will they give it, considering what’s happened?”
Parker shrugs and hangs his head. “This wasn’t how it was supposed to go. I’m no CEO. I have no idea what I’m doing. Those papers were only a precaution.”
“Parker, look at me.”
He obeys, raising his bloodshot, baby blue eyes to mine.
“You won’t have to, because I’m going to get him out,” I say.
“How?”
Parker looks so broken, which is precisely how I feel, but I also know who I am and what I’m capable of.
“I’m an undercover CIA agent who was sent here to put your brother behind bars for murder. But when I learned more, I realized your brother isn’t the villain in this, and when I decided to help him instead, I was set up.”
Parker's eyes widen at my blunt confession. “Holy shit.”
“Listen, you don’t have to trust me, but I’m going to get your brother out of this, and I need your help. I need to know if the company will pass to you. If the charities are protected. That’s what he wanted.”
Parker studies me for longer than feels comfortable, and I wonder if he’s going to kick me out on my ass after my confession.
After my betrayal.
“Did he know?” Parker asks.
I shake my head, and the tears come unbidden once again. “I should have told him. I wanted to. I made far too many excuses not to. The biggest being that I wanted to find the evidence to save him first.”
“You love him?”
I don’t know how that’s relevant, but somehow the answer to that question feels like it might determine my entire fate. Without Parker’s help and access to Owen’s personal files and house, I may not get what I need.
I don’t hesitate. “Yes.”
Taking my first deep breath since Owen was aprehended, relief washes over me at the admittance.
Parker nods as if it isn’t a surprise. “You know, even if you get him out of this, he may never forgive you.”
I try to hold back the sob in my throat. I’ve been crying far too much recently. “I know.”
“And you’re still willing to risk your career for this?”
Once again, there’s no hesitation. “Yes.”
Parker stands. “Then let's do this. What do you need from me?”
