Page 143 of Burn Like An Angel

Anger curdles in my gut. We’ve spent all week locked behind bolted doors, fearful for our lives. Not so much as a goddamn whisper about when this nightmare will end. I’ve had it.

“I suppose some witnesses are more valuable than others, right?” I look between Theo and Hunter. “While we’re being left to fend off fucking prosecutions for surviving something unimaginable.”

“Nox—” Raine begins.

“No! Enough of this! Why are we being treated differently?”

“You’re not,” Hunter replies flatly. “But your cases are vastly different.”

Ignoring his shitty excuse, I stare at Xander. “I told you we shouldn’t trust these people.”

Enzo attempts to grab my shoulder. “Look here?—”

“Lay a single hand on me, and it won’t be attached for much longer. I’m getting my family out of here before you pull out the cuffs.”

Marching over to Raine and Ripley, I’m hellbent on yanking them both up when the conference room door opens again. Agents Barlow and Jonas sidle back in with matching grim expressions.

Nope. Fuck this.

If we can get out of here, they’ll never see us again. We never should’ve come here. They’re going to take my fucking family from me, just like all the other times I’ve lost the ones I love. This is all my fau?—

“You have a deal.”

The panic dies a sudden death within me.

“For all of us?” Xander asks.

Sighing, Agent Jonas wrings his hands. “Full clemency for Ripley Bennet, Xander Beck, Lennox Nash and Raine Starling. No charges relating to the contraband, deaths or riot.”

My breath is still held, waiting for the punchline.

“In exchange, you’ll give us absolutely everything you know about Incendia Corporation’s dealings. Names. Dates.Locations. The lot. You’ll remain as cooperating witnesses until we deem your roles fulfilled.”

“And if the investigation takes years?” Xander pushes.

His shoulders rise dismissively. “Then you’ll certainly earn your freedom, won’t you? When this is over, you can have it.”

Lips parted, Xander looks at each of us. Weighing our reactions. We’re talking about signing our souls over to the authorities for an undefined period of time. Snitching on every last person doing dirty dealings in Priory Lane and Harrowdean.

But we’ll be free.

We could have a future.

Her fingers clenched tight around Raine’s hand, Ripley does her own sweep over us all before facing the two agents. Hunter, Enzo and Theo all keep quiet. None dare to speak for us.

“We want witness protection until this is over,” she calmly demands. “Our lives are already at risk. This will paint an even bigger target on our backs.”

Agent Barlow looks over to Hunter, communicating something silently. I watch the formidable director nod once, signalling his agreement. Neither Enzo nor Theo protests the decision.

“Do we have a deal?” Agent Jonas drones.

This is my chance to protest, but I don’t say anything. No matter the mistrust and paranoia brewing inside me. I trust Ripley, and if this is her decision, then I’ll respect that choice.

She rolls her shoulders, looking at the agents without fear.

“Yes. It’s a deal.”

CHAPTER 22

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