“Not even then. He’d blackmail those assholes first. Mitch would never bow to them,” Diar said with the utmost faith.
“What are you doing here?”
“Mitch sent me. He believed they might try something, and he wasn’t wrong. Their sending Frederick was a move neither of us saw. Frederick is in line to inherit after Mitch turned his back on them. That is interesting.”
Jess cocked her head. “Why?”
“Because they know it will trigger Mitch. Those murdering bastards have realised your worth, Jess, which means you’ve just become a major playing piece. Maybe even the Queen. Welcome to the game,” Diar said and held her eyes.
“And if I refuse to play?”
“They’ll aim for checkmate.”
???
An hour later, Jess looked up, surprised, as Rhett and Leon entered the house. They’d brushed aside Diar and come straight for her.
“Get your stuff, you’re leaving,” Leon ordered.
“No,” Jess replied calmly.
“Jess, this isn’t a joke. Mitch has betrayed you. He’s gone to visit his family,” Rhett said.
“I know. And I’m choosing to trust him. Mitch isn’t betraying us,” Jess stated with a sideways look at Diar.
“Who are you?” Rhett demanded.
“This is Diarmad McDonald, Mitch’s best friend,” Jess introduced. Their eyes narrowed on his last name. McDonald was a fairly common surname, but his links to Mitch helped them identify him.
“Another one?” Leon seethed.
“His guy who hurt himself?” Rhett grasped who Diar was quicker than Leon.
“Yes. Who the hell are you?” Diar demanded.
“My brothers,” Jess said.
Diar’s eyes grew bigger. “Which ones?”
“What do you mean, which ones?” Rhett snarled.
Dair walked over and switched on a music player. He turned it up loud and beckoned them over. “Let’s say I understand Jess loves swimming in the loch,” Diar replied.
Jess, Rhett, and Leon stiffened, and Diar smiled. “Mitch wanted someone to know who would risk everything to protect you. If he doesn’t return alive, I’m to get you out of here and convince you to check in once a week with me. If you refuse, then I’m to assume they’ve killed you and release everything.”
Jess was stunned. “Mitch said that?”
“Mitch ordered that. We’re brothers in all but blood. I’m the backup plan,” Diar said.
“We have Mitch’s files; we don’t need you,” Rhett stated, puffing up.
Diar grinned. “You don’t have my family’s.”
Jess stared and began to laugh. “Who took a page out of whose book?”
“Mitch stole mine. I was kicked out of the family at fourteen when they realised I’d never be fit enough to hunt and kill. I copied everything I could and ensured I was safe. Four years later, I helped Mitch repeat my actions.”
“Why is he seeing Alexander?” Jess asked.
