Page 142 of Burn Like An Angel

“You’re barely keeping the media on our side right now.” Xander turns from the window to address the agents. “Government incompetence has allowed an exploitative regime to torture and experiment on the mentally unwell for profit.”

A smile tugs at my mouth.

Here he is.

“We have plenty of uncomfortable details that we’ll happily take to the press. Gory, unpalatable information that will impede your efforts to tame this raging fire. You don’t want us as enemies.”

“You’re threatening to go public?” Agent Jonas laughs. “Why would that impact us, son? We’re not Incendia.”

“Perhaps not, but I’m sure the names of government inspectors who were paid a tidy profit share to ignore our dealings would cast an unpleasant light on a public-funded department such as yours.”

The agent’s smile quickly morphs into a glower.

“In fact, I saw a rather fetching photo of Sir Bancroft accepting his knighthood after a quick online search not so long ago. Plenty of politicians and public figures in attendance.”

Xander’s musings are silky-smooth. Even my hairs are standing on end. The entire room is focused on him.

“Perhaps we could talk about the man who watched us being whipped, beaten and psychologically tortured then ordered us to become his stooges when we refused to break. A man you’ve failed to catch.”

“Making the media storm worse doesn’t benefit you either.” Agent Jonas draws his silver-grey brows together. “You’ll be dragged over the coals.”

“Less than you will be for allowing this to go unchecked. Bancroft’s out there right now, getting his feet rubbed by countless political heavyweights and business leaders. That’s on you.”

“What do you want?” Agent Barlow intervenes.

Xander shrugs. “We’re not asking for clemency, we’re demanding it. Agree to a plea deal, and we’ll cooperate. Prosecute and we’ll cause the biggest public outcry you’ve ever seen. Enough to make your jobs hellish.”

Leaning back in his chair, Hunter looks mildly impressed. He scrapes a hand over his trimmed, chestnut beard, seemingly appraising us in a new light. I doubt any other witnesses have been so bold as to make threats.

“We can tell you everything.” Xander lands the final blow. “Supply routes. Contraband stashes. Key players in the institute’s power structure. Criminals you’ll never prosecute without our testimony.”

“With all due respect?—”

“Prosecute and you’ll never hear a word from us again,” Xander cuts the male agent off. “Not so much as an IDverification when you round up a few culprits after decades of investigative work.”

Their stunned silence causes Enzo to chuckle under his breath. “He drives a hard bargain, doesn’t he?”

“This bullshit calls for it,” I whisper back.

“Not disagreeing with you, Mr Nash. I don’t believe anyone should be blamed for the fucked up stuff that went down in the institutes.”

“We’ll need a moment to discuss and call our superiors.” Agent Barlow rises. “Excuse us.”

The pair shuffle out, their heads hanging. I can’t believe our futures are being decided by a pair of government stuffed suits. Ones who didn’t see rampant corruption staring them in the face all this time.

As soon as they’ve left, Hunter turns his attention to us. “Bold move, Mr Beck.”

Xander glares back, unrepentant. “If you had bothered to interview us yourself, you would know that we’ll do anything to protect each other. No one is going to prison.”

I bite back a laugh. The look on the famous Hunter’s face is like he’s bitten into a sour apple and spat the innards out. The man clearly isn’t used to his authority being challenged.

Stepping into the room, Theo’s familiar face causes everyone to release their held breath. He offers a two-fingered wave with his laptop in hand, the door clicking shut behind him.

“All wrapped up with Hudson?” Enzo asks.

Theo nods. “His final interview is done.”

“Tell Brooklyn and the others I’ll be out soon,” Hunter tells him.

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