Page 141 of Burn Like An Angel

“What’s the play here?” I question. “I’m not seeing anyone get taken to prison.”

“That won’t happen.” Ripley somehow sounds certain.

“You trust these people that much?”

“I trust that they know an opportunity when they see one. We have inside information. The only way to get us to cooperate is to guarantee our freedom.”

“Think they’ll go for that?” Raine wonders.

Ripley huffs out a tense breath. “They have to.”

Remaining silent, Xander stares into the distance. He’s been characteristically quiet. That never leads to anything good. It’s the kind of silence that precedes a violent explosion.

We’re not held in suspense for long. The door reopens, allowing two suits flanked by Warner and Enzo into the room. I recognise the final person from the newspapers—Hunter Rodriguez. Director of Sabre Security.

He scans two dark-chocolate eyes over our group, his steely frown pulling a scar bisecting his eyebrow taut. Tall and well-muscled, he wears an expensive, three-piece suit and a flashy watch that befit his position.

“Let’s begin.” Hunter’s tone is smooth and impersonal. “Please take a seat.”

The two suits, one male and one female, sit at the other end of the table. Hunter moves to take a seat opposite Ripley and Raine, sparing them both curt nods while Enzo leans against the wall beside me.

“This is Agent Barlow.” Hunter gestures to the female suit. “And Agent Jonas. Our representatives from the Serious Crimes Unit.”

None of us offer a greeting.

“Well, then.” Agent Barlow clears her throat. “Let’s not beat around the bush.”

“Our clients have provided written testimony to my team,” Hunter explains crisply. “They have invaluable information that will aid your investigation. And they’re willing to cooperate.”

Agent Jonas laughs coldly. “Undoubtedly to save their own skins. This is quite the rap sheet of crimes you’ve compiled for us.”

“Our clients are under no illusions about their culpability. Regardless, they’re willing to act as cooperating witnesses. Their knowledge could shave years off the criminal investigation ahead of the SCU.”

Drumming her nails against her chin, Agent Barlow stares straight at Ripley. I hate the way she’s making her squirm under the spotlight. I move to step forward, but Enzo rests a hand on my shoulder, giving a head shake.

“Ripley Bennet.”

She looks up at the female agent. “Yes?”

“You stand accused of severe crimes. It won’t be hard to trace back the history of patients’ deaths in Harrowdean’s custody resulting from your dealings.”

“Ripley was just doing her job,” Raine protests hotly.

“Hurting people?” Agent Jonas counters.

“The real monsters are those manipulating desperate patients into doing their dirty work! Those profiting on exploitation and abuse!”

“Raine.” Ripley touches his shoulder.

“No. You can’t be blamed for this!”

“It’s okay.”

“Nothing about this is okay.”

“I know what I did was wrong, and I’m prepared to accept the consequences. But there are people out there still trapped and suffering. They need our help.”

The two agents listen to their exchange, both seeming to contemplate the best path forward.

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