“I could be used to lure him out.”
“Absolutely not!” Leo and Nick stated together.
“But don’t you see, there is no one else who can do this. Searching for him will take time. However, if he sends word again, then surely it is best I do as he states, and you can step in when he comes to collect the money.”
“I forbid it!” Leo said, still pacing.
“Actually, it’s the perfect plan,” Jacob said. “And we will all be there watching over her, so there is no danger.”
“There is always danger!”
“Think about this clearly, Leo. Put emotion aside, and understand that to catch this man we must use Beth to lure him out,” Marcus said. “It is the fastest way, and we will ensure she stays safe.”
“I am the only one who knows what he looks like, too.”
“We are not even sure it is him. Besides, you saw him that day and couldn’t positively identify him,” Leo said.
“He is older, as am I, and his face was in the shadows. Were I to see him clearly, I would know for certain.”
“Christ.” Nick ran a hand through his hair, leaving it standing on end. “My cousin has been living in terror, and I knew nothing.”
“Nick, you couldn’t know if I chose not to tell you.”
Leo watched Beth reach across the table for her cousin’s hand. Nick gripped it hard.
“I’m sorry, Beth, for the distance I allowed between us for so long.”
“No, I am as much to blame, and this is no more your fault than mine, Nick.”
Beth sent Leo a look. “I know that now, and I know that I want whoever is doing this stopped, so I can move on with my life.”
“With me,” Leo growled, making his friends smile.
