"Then we find another way." His grip tightens slightly. "But we don't concede the fight before it happens. You walk into thatboard meeting with your head up and your spine straight, and you show them exactly why your father chose you to run this company."
I want to believe him. Want to trust that justice and evidence and truth will be enough. But I've fought Armand long enough to know he doesn't leave obvious trails.
Still. For the first time since this nightmare started, I have law enforcement on my side. I have official documentation. I have a detective who understands the context and is building a case that focuses on the crimes, not the scandal.
It's not victory. But it's progress.
"Come on." Luc releases me and opens his door. "You need to get some rest."
He comes around to my side, opens the door, and offers his hand. I take it, let him pull me out and against him. His arm wraps around my waist, holding me close as we walk to the guest house entrance.
Tomorrow the warrant executes. Tomorrow we go to war with Armand. Tonight, I let Luc lock the door behind us... tomorrow can wait.
14
LUC
My phone buzzes just before six. Andy.
"Warrant's executing in half an hour," he says without preamble. "Thought you'd want to know."
I'm already awake, coffee brewing downstairs while Simone sleeps. After yesterday's interview, she needs rest more than she needs me hovering. But this—watching Andy tear apart the monitoring station that's been violating her for months—this I need to see.
"I'll be there," I tell him.
"Figured you would. LaCroix Petroleum, executive parking level. NOPD tactical is staging there now."
Standard protocol says I should stay with Simone, maintain close protection, let Andy handle the warrant execution. But the part that claimed her at Dominion and won't let go needs to see Armand's operation destroyed.
I head upstairs. Simone's still asleep, curled on her side, dark honey hair spilling across the pillow. Her breathing's even, face relaxed without the armor she wears when awake.
I pull out my phone and text Derek.
Need you at the guest house in ten. Simone's still sleeping. Don't let her leave.
His response comes immediately.
On my way.
I head back downstairs, pour another cup of coffee, and wait. Check the security feeds. Perimeter's clear. Media vans still camped on the public road but not breaching the property line.
Derek arrives within minutes. I let him in, brief him quickly.
"She's upstairs. Asleep. Keep her here until I get back."
"Got it." He takes position in the living room where he can see both the stairs and the front entrance.
I head for the SUV. The drive to LaCroix Petroleum cuts through empty streets, dawn breaking over the city. I run scenarios—what we'll find, how Armand covered his tracks, whether I'll be able to keep my hands to myself when I see the setup he used to watch her.
NOPD tactical vehicles stage in the executive parking garage. Andy's standing with the team leader, both in tactical gear, reviewing building schematics.
"Luc." Andy nods as I approach. "Maintenance level, lower basement. Signal terminated there. Building security's staying clear."
"Search scope?"
"The maintenance room, adjacent spaces with server access. Looking for monitoring equipment, recording devices, access logs." He gestures to the tactical team. "Let's move."
We take the service elevator down. Everything sharpens. Tactical team's breathing, equipment shifting, elevator mechanics.
