“On it,” Knox said.
“And in case it’s not obvious,” Dylan continued. “I’d like to be placed in the custody of the Morghana Police.”
“Huh uh, I’ll bet,” Jason said. “And your cousin Eric will have you out of there in less than an hour. Right?”
Dylan’s eyebrows hiked up. Then a sneer crept across his face. “I doubt you can do anything about that. You have the upper hand on my boat tonight, Mr. Jason Bridger—yes, I know who you are—but after tonight, you’ll have a hard time getting to me.”
Jason scratched his jaw. “I thought I knew who you were. But I was told Eric’s cousin, Dylan Kitts, died years ago. I guess I have bad information.”
The corner of Dylan’s mouth crept up. “You were fed the narrative I chose. You, the rest of WhiteRock, and law enforcement.”
“Except Eric? He apparently knew you were alive.”
Dylan’s half-grin didn’t falter. But he kept his mouth shut.
Jason marshaled his response. And everything he wanted to do to Dylan Kitts.
“For what it’s worth,” Dylan said, “I never planned to have Gus Branch killed. Thirteen was hired for my protection. He reacted when he caught Branch spying. I didn’t direct him to kill your associate.”
“That doesn’t make you innocent.”
Dylan shrugged.
Jason stared at the criminal enigma before him. A callous mastermind, or a simple cog in a larger wheel of evil? Why had he faked his death? And how involved is Eric?
A gentle touch on his arm pulled his attention to Tayla.
She looked stronger than moments ago—physically and emotionally. “Jason, let’s focus on finding Leland.”
His name on her lips made him want to be worthy of her—which meant not tearing Dylan apart and throwing him overboard.
She was right. Dylan could wait. He squeezed her hand and joined Knox at the helm.
Tayla stood next to him. “Where is Eric? Did you see him?”
Jason hesitated with his response.
Knox leaned across him to address Tayla. “Yep. We found him. We chatted. A nice, calm chat among gentlemen.” He straightened his posture. “On a completely unrelated note, your boyfriend might not have a job anymore.”
Jason jabbed his arm.
“Hey, I’m steering this tub. Careful, there. Besides, she can handle the truth. She needs to know what she’s getting herself into.”
Knox always joked a lot during tense situations. Jason was used to it, and usually didn’t mind. But right now, he wished his friend would stop talking. He ran a hand down his face. And chanced a glance at Tayla.
“Do we need to worry about Eric?” she asked.
“Knox and I do,” he answered. “He’ll have a lot to explain to WhiteRock. But as far as your personal safety, no. He won’t put you in any more danger.”
She looked confused. “I thought he was in charge at WhiteRock.”
“He’s the director of operations. There’s a board he reports to.”
“Oh. So why would you get fired?”
Knox cleared his throat. “When asked, I will testify that the director of operations’ face accidentally fell on Jason’s fist.”
Jason felt her eyes on him.
