Page 142 of Trapped Truth

“How can anyone blame Sabre for doing their job?” I frown in outrage.

“Easy.” Kade rubs underneath his bloodshot eyes. “We are the law, Ember. Ultimately, any civilian casualties leave a bloodstain in our ledger. It must be answered for in the end.”

“That isn’t fair!”

“It’s business.” In consolation, Tom squeezes my bicep. “But we have the chance to give them a bigger fish.”

“I never agreed to turn over my father alive,” Blaine cuts in.

“You don’t have to. A body will suffice.”

“How about body parts?” Axel’s cheeks puff up into a jovial grin.

Releasing me, Tom sets his sights on caffeine. “The manner of presentation is your prerogative, Mr Slaughter. Bring me a head on a stake, and I’ll keep this company afloat a little longer.”

“You got yourself a deal!”

“Good, then it’s settled.”

“Fucking hell,” I mutter. “This is insane.”

Honestly, I never gave much thought to my brother’s legal ju-jitsu until now. I’ve always known he’s a badass solicitor and crazy good at his job. But this level of legal manoeuvring is downright impressive, albeit slightly unnerving.

“Then it’s now or never.” Kade gives a decisive dip of his chin. “Summon Gunnar. We need to make contact with his friend and set the plan in motion. A full-scale raid, victim evacuation, clean up the loose ends.”

“That simple?” Hyland snorts.

Pierced brow cocked, Hudson slurps the last of his coffee. “If only we could click our fingers and have this mess squared away just like that. I miss my wife and my bed.”

“Our wife,” Kade corrects him.

“Right. Our wife.”

“I’ll locate Gunnar,” I volunteer.

“Thank you, Ember.” Kade nods at me.

“Be right back.”

It’s an opportunity to step back out and take a full breath. This raid is happening much quicker than any of us anticipated. I’m relieved for Gracie and the rest of us stuck in limbo, but I hope to God we’re ready to face Blaine’s father for a final showdown.

Pacing into the next long corridor, my path is intercepted by three figures. Gunnar must have some psycho third sense. Seeing him walk in my direction flanked by his new teammates is quite disconcerting.

“I was coming to look for you.”

“Axel texted me.” He lifts a shoulder, appearing non-plussed. “Are they done bickering?”

“We’re on a deadline, so there’s no more time to argue. Nolan Madden needs to be dead in a body bag by Friday or we’ll all be in hot water for mismanaging this disaster.”

“Wonderful, a little suspense always makes things more fun.”

At his side, Archer scowls, seemingly unsure what to make of his new teammate. “Is he always like this?”

“Pretty much.” I blow out a leaden breath. “Enjoy.”

“Thanks. Uh, Ember? I’ve been meaning to speak to you since… well, since the attack.”

“Please, Archer. It isn’t necessary.”