He glances up when I approach, reading something in my face instantly.
“Talk to me,” he says, pushing off the post.
I don’t hesitate.
“Okay, look,” I start, voice steady now, decision already made. “I’m taking the next delivery.”
His brows pull together.
“That was the plan anyway,” he says. “What’s changed?”
I meet his gaze head-on.
“Well, you know how it’s going to the Big C, Chase Baron’s ranch. South Dakota.”
Recognition flashes.
“Yeah,” he says slowly. “Big contract.”
I nod once.
“And I’m making a stop while I’m there.”
Now his eyes narrow.
“Where?”
He fucking knows already, and I don’t bother to sugarcoat it.
“To see Ace.”
Silence stretches for a beat.
Diego mutters something low and walks off, giving us space without being told.
Sawyer studies me hard.
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asks.
“No,” I answer honestly. “But it’s necessary.”
His jaw tightens.
“That man’s bad news, Benji.”
“I know exactly what he is,” I snap, then rein it in with a slow breath. “And I’m done letting him take shots at us from a distance.”
Sawyer watches me for another second, then nods once.
“Alright,” he says. “Then we do it smart.”
We.
That word again.
It settles something in me.
“I’ll have Micah keep digging on Esme’s situation,” he continues. “And we’ll tighten security here while you’re gone.”
