I lift an eyebrow at the doubt in her voice.It’s nothing like the tone she used to take when she talked about Alan—as if he were some heroic prize.That spark is gone, replaced by something softer, unsure.
“Golden and I have a plan.”I lean closer.“Right now he and the FBI are digging into data tied to Alan’s business empire.They’re mapping how the operation runs, following the money.But they need someone on the inside.They need solid names, solid evidence of involvement.”
I let that sit.The silence stretches.The clock tick somewhere behind her.
“So...”she whispers, still lost.
“So what we can do,” I say, slow and steady, “is help the investigation by providing inside information.From someone Alan trusts.”
“OMG.No.You don’t mean—”
“I know it’s not ideal,” I say, hands up.“But think about it.Don’t you want revenge?If you ask me, I want them out of our lives for good.”
“Yes, Laird.They kept us apart for seven years with their dirty tricks.I don’t understand how he can still deal with those people.”She rubs her temples, her voice brittle with frustration.
“Exactly.We’ll never know when he’ll stop.I’m done running into him.As long as he’s free, he’ll keep messing with us.I don’t want that anymore.”
Fenella gets up and paces the living room.Her hands fly to her mouth.She bites her nails, stares at the carpet like she’s trying to read a future there.
“Would a restraining order work?”she asks suddenly.“No.He’d find a way to stay close.”
“A restraining order won’t help unless he actually harms you,” I say.The idea of that possibility makes my jaw hard.
I reach for a glass of eggnog and take a careful sip while she paces, the drink cooling in my hand.I focus on the taste to keep my head clear.
“There’s something I haven’t told you, Laird.”She stops.Her shoulders tense, and fear runs across her face.
“Tell me,” I say.I don’t want to push her into a panic.She’s fragile around Alan.
“Promise you won’t get mad,” she says.
“I promise.”I nod.
She runs upstairs, feet thudding.When she comes back, she’s holding a small red velvet box.She sits beside me and offers it like it’s a confession.“This is from Alan.He said he’d wait for me forever.”
My chest tightens.My blood rushes hot.I already know what’s inside.“That son of a bitch,” I growl through my teeth.
“You promised,” she says, voice thin.
I stare at the box, hands trembling.I open it.A massive diamond ring blinks up at me—flashy, arrogant, exactly like him.Pretentious bastard.I look up at her, waiting for her to explain.
“I’m going to get engaged to him,” Fenella says.
20
Action Plan
Fenella
Ifeel sorry for Alan.After hearing his story about the seven years he spent with Amy, I can’t bring myself to hurt him.Guilt presses on my chest like a shadow I can’t escape.
But what Laird said is true.I have to find the courage to act, to keep Alan as far away from my life as possible.I’m the reason Alan did all of that.If I started it, then I need to take responsibility for fixing it.I have to help solve this case in whatever way I can.
“No.”Laird shuts me down fast.
He’s angry.Of course he is.He never wants to follow my crazy ideas again.We both know what happens when he does.Total disaster.
“But Laird, think about it.How else am I supposed to get deeper information if I’m not close enough to his circle?I need to dive in if we want real answers.Whatever it takes.”
