“The Vallesses are rich enough to bribe anyone. And with enough money, even the DWO can’t hide. The question is, who turned on us?” Bryce asked.
“I don’t know. But I bet you Ronald Valless does. All we have to do is get him to confess.”
“Time out,” Alex said. “We? You’re not DWO, and you’re on lockdown.”
Jesse rolled his eyes and looked to Bryce.
Bryce was standing nearly perfectly still. Pleading wouldn’t convince Bryce to come to his side. Jesse needed to wait and let him come to his own decision. But he also needed to follow this through. After spending so much time together, Bryce had to know how Jesse felt about the case. He had to know it was important. When their gazes met, Jesse tried to show his patience. Tried to say with his expression he would be okay either way.
A silent battle of the wills began. Bryce wasn’t sure. Jesse could see that in his eyes and the slight hunch of his shoulders. Bryce let out a deep breath, on the edge of giving in, and Jesse straightened his shoulders. There was a worried look in Bryce’s brown eyes, but Jesse only pointedly glanced at Ephraim’s journals. Ephraim had never given up. Jesse didn’t want to, either. When he met Bryce’s gaze, he saw resolution in Bryce.
“We’ll ask for forgiveness, not permission,” Bryce said.
Alex’s jaw dropped. “Seriously?”
“Jesse is an FBI agent, and Ronald knows that. He’s got the best way in without raising suspicions,” Bryce replied.
“You’re going to go confront the guy who might want him dead and just ask him questions?” Alex asked. “What if something happens?”
Jesse shrugged. “Then we know he’s our bad guy.”
Alex closed his mouth, took a deep breath and opened it again. “I’m not sure if this is a batshit plan or my favorite idea ever.”
“You know it’s your favorite,” Jesse said as he headed to get dressed in the bedroom. “This is going to work!”
