Page 77 of Lethal Salvation

“I still think Gideon and Damon should be too.”

“We offered, but they both refused. Honestly, I don’t think they’re in any danger now.”

She didn’t necessarily agree with that. “Disagree.”

“Why?”

“Damon has flown halfway around the world to smooth the way with Melissa for Titan.”

“True. Do you think Tarquin is the top man Marsha talked about?”

“I don’t know. Marsha seemed frightened of that person, but she called Tarquin her first love and seemed to get a faraway look when he was mentioned, so that doesn’t track.” She crossed her arms and sighed. “You know we could send Lotus to have his back.”

Bás jaw flexed as his brows drew low. “He has Titan.”

“Titan is there for Melissa’s safety, not Damon’s.”

“I don’t know. She was taken off this case because she and Damon were thinking with their genitals, not their heads.”

Duchess gave a mock shiver. “Please don’t say genitals again, it creeps me out.”

“Whatever.”

“So can I send her?”

“Has she completed the mandated sessions we required?”

“I spoke to Peyton and she’s happy it was just a slip because of the anniversary of her mother’s death.”

“Poor kid. She’s had a shit time.”

Duchess thought back to their conversation and it shed a little more light on why Bás allowed Lotus to get away with so much. “She has but so have a lot of people.”

“Fine, send her but this is on you. If she fucks up this time you can clean up the mess.”

“You know who can keep her in line?”

“Rykov.”

“Rykov.” They both said together.

“Yes, and he’s finished with his situation in Russia. Perhaps we can bring him on full-time now.”

“You think him and Damon with Lotus is a good idea?”

“I do. Rykov can handle her.”

“But can he handle seeing her with Damon?”

“It doesn’t matter, does it? They can’t be together.”

Duchess cocked her head. “You know that’s more of a suggestion than a rule, Bás.”

He pointed a finger at her face. “Don’t.”

“What? I was just going to ask where Val was?”

“She’s in Germany checking out a breeding program for the dogs.”