“What about the copy that was sent to the media outlets?”
“Same thing. The contacts I have there are tight-lipped, and all I’m getting is shit for ‘wasting their time’.”
Tension has a headache pounding at my temples as rage starts to fill my veins. I tighten my grip on my phone, unable to fucking believe what’s happening.
“What would you like to do, sir?”
“I want to burn them to the fucking ground,” I growl. Taking a few deep breaths, I try to rein myself in, knowing anger will not solve the issue.
They want to fuck with me, and think they’re smarter than I am? I look over my shoulder to where my lunch companions are sitting, oblivious to the wolf they invited into their midst. “Call Lachlan. Tell him he is out of time. The next phase of our operation begins now, and I want my package delivered to me within the next few days. As for you, Agent Riley, I want you to put the heat on the Council.”
“They’re no longer falling for the tricks of the locals,”he reminds me.
“And? You’re not a simple cop. I don’t care what you have to do, get someone to sign a warrant and go raid some warehouses. Cause enough noise that one of them has to show up, and make their day hell.”
“They won’t let themselves be arrested, not after the Tennant Mason fuck up.”
“I don’t care if they are in cuffs or not. I simply want to remind them that they are no longer in charge here. I don’t care what it takes. Make it a useless waste of their time, just put the pressure on them, so when I make my final move…they’ll be too distracted to see me coming.”
“Yes, sir.”
I hang up, trusting him to do his job. If he can’t…well, he’s not irreplaceable. As annoying as breaking in another LEO would be, there are plenty I could use.
Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I take a few moments to center myself before making my way back to the table. “I apologize, but something’s come up and I need to excuse myself early.”
“Oh, that’s too bad.” Madeline gives what passes for a sad smile. “I did very much enjoy this time with you.”
“I did as well, we’ll have to do it again.”
“Yes. Maybe dinner? I can have our chef whip something up. No pressure, though.”
“I would love that.” I give my softest smile. “Please, feel free to set something up at whatever time is best for you.”And play directly into my hands.
“We will see you soon, Senator.”
Yes, yes you will…
Pursing my lips, I stare at the closed door with frustration. This…will be a challenge. All my research indicates this test subject is a unique combination of stubborn and vulnerable. And distrustful. Very distrustful. Still, I promised I’d fix everyone and I fucking will. But I deserve a treat after this. Maybe someone off my kill list? That would cheer me up…
Straightening my back, I knock, waiting for the quiet, “Enter”. I open the door, unsurprised to see Lio and Roman curled around each other. While some may consider this to be an unnatural codependency, I disagree. Codependency can be toxic, but, in some instances, it’s a positive. They have found something in each other that makes them stronger together. It allows the Council to work in an effective manner as well. However, I would prefer my first visit with Roman to be alone. Thankfully, Lio can read the room.
He leans over and kisses Roman on the cheek before sliding off the bed. “I need to go see Benjamin for a moment, but I’ll be back.”
I bite back a laugh at the warning glare he gives me as he passes. While I may have been accepted by him to a certain degree, trusting me with Roman is out of his comfort zone. The slight hesitation to stay is there, but thankfully, he keeps going. I know full well that if I fuck up, Lio will make me pay. It’s exciting working with such forceful personalities… Nothing like a little threat of death to get the blood pumping.
“What do you want?” Roman demands flatly, all trace of good humor gone.
Walking closer, I perch on the edge of the seat next to him, not wanting to loom, but realizing there’s no way in hell he’ll ask for me to sit. “To talk. You’ve gone through significant trauma and it needs to be addressed. If you’re not comfortable with me, we can find you someone else. But, the one thing I refuse is to let anyone in this organization flounder.”
“Why would you care?” Roman’s face screws up in disgust. “It’s not like you know us.”
“You’re right, I don’t. But I take my commitments seriously. That means, I have an obligation to make sure everyone gets healthy. I know Lio is highly concerned about you. Hollis and Carter as well. Therefore, I wanted to check in and see what I can do to help.”
“You could leave…” He lets it hang there, but I don’t react. Bratting is natural, and I’m not easily distracted, much to his disappointment.
“That’s not possible.” I shrug as I sit back, making myself comfortable. “However, how we use the time is up to you. Honesty is the most important part of mental health, and I won’t let you sidestep things.”
“Oh, really. Honesty is important? Then tell me…are you really a serial killer?”
