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“The switch monitors Ashford’s biometrics and communication patterns. If either deviates from baseline parameters for more than six hours, automated systems activate. File distribution happens through encrypted networks to buyers I’ve cultivated over decades.” Pope’s smile returned - he really thought he’d got the winning hand. “You can’t simply eliminate him unless you want to endanger every one of the monsters you’ve aligned yourself with.”
Ethan wrote: Dead man’s switch - biometric + communication monitoring. 6hr window. Encrypted distribution network.
“You’re suggesting we need to capture Ashford and secure his files simultaneously.”
“I’m suggesting you need me to tell you where the switch hardware is located and how to disable it without triggering distribution.” Pope tilted his head. “That information doesn’t leave my mouth without a promise of immunity.”
Ethan closed his notebook and stood. Rook’s hand immediately found his elbow, warm despite the cold fury radiating through their bond.
“In other words, you’ve got nothing, which makes you useless,” Ethan said, tucking his pen into his pocket. “Grant Voss would have to know about that same system, and he’s far more likely to be cooperative, seeing as he wants to keep breathing.”
Pope’s mask cracked. Just slightly, but there was a definite tightness around his eyes, and a tension in his shoulders.
“Voss doesn’t know the full network,” Pope said quickly. “He was responsible for recruitment and transportation. The technical details…”
“Were documented extensively in your files. Silas is quite good at reverse-engineering complex systems.” Ethan moved toward the door. “Thank you for confirming the failsafe’s existence. That’s actually more than I expected.”
“Wait.”
Ethan paused, his hand on the doorframe. He didn’t turn around.
“You have to be bluffing,” Pope said. “Voss doesn’t have the clearance I had. He can’t give you…”
“Voss worked directly with Ashford for three years. You only came out of hiding after the Vane warehouse situation.” Ethan glanced back over his shoulder. “You haven’t given me any reason why Ashford would place more value on your research over the years of systems he has in place for his own businesses.
“Out of the two of you, Voss’s information is likely to be more up-to-date and relevant to this investigation. You’ve just got an overrated sense of your own importance. In case you’ve forgotten, Mr. Pope, most people don’t believe beings like my mate even exist.”
Pope stood abruptly, the zip ties glowing brighter as the wards activated. “I built Ashford’s network. Every contact, every protocol…”
“Ashford might have something to say about that. I’ll ask him if I speak to him, shall I?” Ethan opened the door. “In the meantime, you might want to take your quiet time to develop more realistic expectations about your negotiating position, because they’re not looking good. I’ll leave you to your day.”
He stepped into the hallway. Rook followed immediately, his shadows wrapping around Ethan’s shoulders as Thorn closed the door behind them.
They walked ten feet before Rook spoke. “Do you think he’ll talk more tomorrow?”
“It’s likely, if he has anything else left to bargain with.” Ethan kept his voice low. “Fear is an excellent motivator, but it takes time to work properly. Right now he’s more worried about being perceived as irrelevant. By tomorrow he’ll be terrified we actually don’t need him.”
“Do we?” Thorn asked. “Need him?”
“Probably not for the switch location - Silas can trace Ashford’s security systems through his own systems. But Pope’s buyer network would be useful to have.” Ethan paused at the stairs. “I imagine you’d be keen to know who else is purchasing anti-guardian technology.”
Rook’s hand found Ethan’s, lacing their fingers together. “You’re terrifyingly calm about all this,” Rook said. “I think I’m in love with you. In fact, yes, I definitely am. I’m in love with you.”
Wait, what? Ethan blinked, and then blinked again as his brain tried to process the words he knew he’d heard, but they didn’t make sense in the setting. “That’s not...we’ve not even been bonded a week.”
“I know, but when you know, you know,” Rook said. “I’ve been alive centuries, and I’ve never met anyone who could walk into an interrogation, feed a trafficking occultist his own arrogance, and walk out like it was just another day.”
“But I…I…I wasn’t doing anything. I just talked to him.”
“You basically told him he was useless and obsolete, and then you left him alone to think about it.” Rook pulled Ethan closer, his shadows wrapping around them both. “That’s what’s known as psychological warfare, and it’s extremely hot.”
Thorn made a disgusted sound. “I’m standing right here.”
“Then stop standing there.” Rook didn’t look away from Ethan. “I need to kiss my mate, and you’re ruining the ambiance.”
“The ambiance of a concrete hallway outside a prison cell?”
“Exactly. Romance can find a man in the strangest of places.”
