“We’ve determined it’s best for all concerned if the conversation goes through me.” She smiles, fake and paper-thin. “Is there anything you’d like to say before we get started?”
I have a lot to say, all of which can’t be discussed in front of a third party, which I’m sure is exactly why Isla is accompanied by faux-corporate-law Barbie.
Quinn clears her throat. “In that case, I’m going to dive straight in and not sugarcoat this. I’ve completed my due diligence, obtaining surveillance footage to link Eliseo to his crimes, and also documented what Isla went through, including photographic evidence of the bruising she obtained from sleeping on the cold floor as well as a written statement from a medical professional confirming she was exposed to pepper gas in a confined environment.” She pauses. Sighs. “Butit’s also been conceded that this situation shouldn’t become public knowledge. Mainly foryouand your family’s benefit, but also due to the way Isla would be perceived as a victim, and her newly appointed CEO authority undermined, if word spread about your brother’s actions.”
The clip of her words annoys me. The fucking authority in a situation where she shouldn’t hold space.
But the pain emanating from Isla surpasses it all. I can’t tear my eyes away—can’t quit punishing myself with the sight of what I’ve done to her.
Quinn gives me a pointed look. “I’ll take your continued silence as understanding and move forward… What Eliseo did was a Class A-I felony which carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison. And although Isla recognizes her father’s debt doesn’t exactly allow for bargaining power?—”
“Can we quit the sterile bullshit and talk candidly?” I cut her off. “As far as I’m concerned, Isla is in control here. She has all the bargaining power she wants.”
I’d say anything—giveanything—to get that through to her.
“Good.” Quinn sits taller. “Because what Eliseo did is unforgivable and having him walk away unscathed isn’t an option.”
“He hasn’t walked away. He’s still locked in the basement of the town house.” Under the semi-watchful eye and no doubt mollycoddling of Michelo.
Isla stiffens. It’s subtle. A slight tightening of posture.
And I have no idea what the fuck it means.
Does she think I’m lying? Or does the reminder of the basement hit too hard?
“How do you want this to play out, Isla?” I ask. “Tell me how to make this right and I’ll do it.”
She continues staring out the window, torturing me with her silence.
“What we propose,” Quinn states, “is his continued incarceration, but under new management, somewhere with sustained viability.”
“New management?” A muscle ticks beneath my eye. “No. I’m not widening the scope on this.”
“I’m glad we’re in agreement.” Quinn’s lips kick with smug superiority. “Because it would be my pleasure to act as the guardian of his cage. In fact, we insist. What Isla proposes is that I make the decisions concerning every aspect of his punishment—what type of conditions he’s kept in, where he’ll be held, and for how long, etcetera, etcetera.”
“Athisexpense,” Isla murmurs.
La mia reinafinally chooses to speak, and her voice—threadbare but steady—lodges itself in my chest.
“I can agree to that.” I keep suffocating in the sight of her, despite the fact shestillavoids my stare like the plague. “And if given the chance to explain, I would’ve told you I had no interest in letting Eli go unpunished. I wasn’t trying to?—”
“Even if it’s determined that he never gets released?” Quinn interrupts.
I clench my teeth. Fight a glower. “I know Isla. I’ve had a firsthand account of how she holds a grudge. But I also understand her heart, judgment, and compassion. So if my brother can’t prove he’s worthy of a second chance then that’s on him.”
“It’ll cost a pretty penny to renovate the right space, not to mention the cost of my ti?—”
“Quinn.” I struggle to keep my temper in check. “I don’t give a fuck about the finances. Can you give us a minute?”
“No.” She screws up her nose like I’ve asked for her banking password. “That’s not an option.”
“Make it one,” I bite out.
“She doesn’t want to talk to you.”
Heat builds behind my sternum, a slow, pressurized swell. “For the sake of your freedom, I suggest you change her mind.”
Quinn raises her chin in defiance.
