Saying it out loud felt so horribly final. Lovelyn Wells: currently between careers and crimes.
Arran listened as I explained about the Marchant family and the relatives who’d invested in the businesses that could influence the vote.
“The very people who benefited from the trafficking were trying to gain power over the company. It’s a clear motive he can investigate, but also, it gives him an out. Something he can agree to then walk out of here with his head held high. Do I have your permission to strike a deal?”
I peeked from Arran to Kane, seeking his, too. It was his family after all. He only gripped my hand tighter.
Arran considered my words. “Genevieve mentioned something about this. If you think you can use it, go for it. I’d rather have him onside than underground. He could prove useful yet. And Lovelyn?” He tugged his skeleton mask back up. “If you think you’re done with my crew, guess again. With or without access to the police systems, we don’t let good people go that easily.”
My bottom lip trembled, but I managed a nod then got myself under control. I might have lost one job, but not both.
Returning to the room, I took the single chair and settled my focus on Lyle. “Before I leave you to the capable hands of these gentlemen, I have information on the Marchant case you’ll find interesting. In exchange, there are two people sitting in your police station who need to go free. If you want to walk out of here with your arms unbroken and your reputation unsullied, you’ll make a deal with me now.”
The muted disappointment lifted from Lyle’s expression and sharpened into interest. The detective was back in the room.
This time, it was me who had all the power.
Chapter 45
Lovelyn
Upstairs, the skeleton girls waited for us. Kane swapped a muted greeting with his sister, then stooped to whisper to me that he’d be back, leaving me with my ladies.
Mila sidled over. “Are you angry at me?”
“What for?”
“It…was my idea to have Kane catch you in the game.”
“You locked me in that basement?”
“I mean, technically no, but also yes?” She pointed at Genevieve. “She gave the order.”
Genevieve blanched. “Cassie made me do it.”
Cassie’s mouth fell open. “Excuse me, Mrs She’ll Be So Happy After.”
Everly pulled a face, her gaze darting between us.
They all looked so worried, but I couldn’t even pretend to be mad.
“Lucky for you, I’m more than happy.”
Mila breathed out. “Then we’re forgiven?”
“You are.”
We settled at Cassie’s kitchen counter, and I filled them in on what I’d done.
“So you gave him the intel on the Marchant relatives that makes him the great detective, and in exchange, he releases Pollyanna and the guard from police custody?” Cassie set her chin on her hands. “Certified badass.”
I peeked at Mila. “I hope that’s okay. I’m sorry I couldn’t check with you first.”
She shook her head. “We discussed it, and I would love for him to bring them down. You uncovered their dirty dealings, and they look guilty as sin. Do you know, Presley and his family have done a runner? Con and I went there, and the house was empty. No cars, no signs of life. None of them work, so where could they be? They’d better run as the police will be hunting for them.”
Everly stood at the end of the counter, rocking gently from foot to foot with her hand to her bump. “This will make things safer for Dixie, won’t it? If one of them hurt her or was chasing her, they have a taste of their own medicine.”
That had occurred to me, too, and I glowed with pride when the others patted my arm and congratulated my thinking.
