I’m not above using blackmail to keep Briar safe.
But we don’t even have that.
Sighing, I lean back in my chair, ask, “Next steps?”
“The way I see it, you have two options: pull back the security measures—or at least give the appearance of doing so—and see if we can get these fuckers to bite.”
“Draw them out and take them down,” I say.
He nods. “I don’t think they’re dumb enough to fall for that, though.”
I agree. “What’s the other option?”
“You’re not going to like it.”
“Probably not but tell me anyway.”
“You make it look like Briar’s on her own again, and when they take advantage of thatthenwe take them down.”
“I’m not using Briar as bait,” I snap.
“You guys can’t continue living like this—Briar cooped up in your apartment, you limiting your own movements to your office and the couple of places we know are safe.” His hands clench into fists. “As much as it pains me, this investigation could go on for months, for fuckingyears. So you need to either be prepared for that, or you need to give them a push and hope they make a mistake.”
“Putting her at risk isn’t acceptable.”
He sighs.
I scowl. “Weren’t you the one who was saying we should keep her far away from this shit?”
“Yes. But she’s had some time to heal now. She’s stronger, and that strength won’t continue to grow if she’s stuck living in the shadows.”
“What?” I mutter. “You’re a philosopher now?”
He rolls his eyes. “She’s a survivor and I want what’s best for her.”
“Well, I don’t thinkwhat’s best for heris swinging her ass out there.”
“Just talk to her, see what she thinks. Trust her enough with the reality.”
I scowl.
Mostly because I know I need to do exactly that. “Fine,” I mutter. “As long as you promise to keep digging.”
He just gives me an affronted look and stands, but before he can disappear into the shadows, my cell rings.
My eyes flick to the screen, see it’s Briar, and I swipe. “Hi, baby.”
“Is River sick?”
“No.” I frown. “River’s not sick.”
Pascal had been turning for the door, but my statement has him stopping.
He moves back over to me, gestures at my phone.
“I’m putting you on speaker, okay? Pascal’s here.”
“Oh, uh, sure.”
