“Did you know?” I ask. My father rolls his eyes like I’m being tedious. “About her father being in prison?”
A tiny twitch at the corner of his eye tells me he’s been trying to keep that information close. I press further, “I’m getting closer, so save us both the hassle and tell me what’s going on.”
He doesn’t answer right away. When he finally speaks, it’s casual, like he’s discussing the weather. “Is our witness a good one?”
“He will be,” I say. “Anthony’s sorting it.”
“We don’t want someone who’ll crumble under pressure,” he murmurs.
“I know how to hire a nark,” I snap. “It isn’t the first time I’ve had to cover your arse.”
He arches a brow. “Careful Warren, you’re sounding awfully smug. Like you think I’m not in charge.”
I run my tongue over my lower lip before sighing. “The witness is top-tier, and the guy we’re fitting up is so fucking high he can barely remember his own name. He’s an easy target.”
My father smiles that thin, practised curve that never reaches his eyes. “Excellent.” He leans back in his chair, hands steepled. “Now, about the girl.”
I tense. “Leoni.”
He nods. “She’s grieving. Vulnerable. You should take her out somewhere—dinner, drinks, whatever people your age do to feel human. Cheer her up a little.”
I frown. “You want me to take her on adate?”
He shrugs like it’s nothing. “Call it what you want. She trusts you, doesn’t she? Let’s use that to our advantage.”
“Use her for what exactly?” My voice sharpens.
He smirks. “To reach her father, of course. The man’s still breathing because of the concrete between him and me. We can speed things along.”
I shake my head. “She’s not the kind to open up, especially not to her boss.”
“Isn’t she the reason you know about him in the first place?” When I don’t answer, he continues. “Get her talking.” His tone is mild, almost bored. “You’ve got the charm for it, and I have no doubt she’ll tell all once you soften her up.”
“What exactly do you want to know?”
“Everything she tells you.”
“Pretty hard when I’m not sure what I’m asking.”
He sighs impatiently. “Family. Any details she gives about her father.”
My stomach twists. “And if I say no?”
He doesn’t miss a beat. “Then I’ll send in Erik.” I clench my jaw at the thought of him pitting my brother and me against one another. My father’s smirk deepens. “He’s too much of a loose cannon, granted, but he gets results. The kind of results that leave scars. You know how he is with women, reckless. Impulsive. You really want her caught up inthat?” I keep my expression neutral. “Didn’t think so,” he continues smoothly.“You’re more controlled. You can keep her close.” He pushes back from the desk, turning to face the window. “Take her somewhere nice. Build trust.”
I stare at the back of his head, fury building so hot it burns through my chest. “You’re using her as bait.”
He glances over his shoulder, his smile slow and poisonous. “Bait and leverage, Warren.”
He turns back to the city skyline, dismissing me without a word.
“What did her father do?” I ask, already knowing he won’t tell me.
He scoffs, without turning to me. “Let me know if she gives you anything useful.”
I stand there for a few seconds, fists clenched at my sides, the weight of every order pressing down on me. Then I leave. Because starting a war with him will get us both killed.
Chapter Six
