Page 10 of Redemption

“You’re worried about her being in danger if you get involved.” Zahir shrugged. “We believe she’s in danger already.”

“Who’s ‘we?’” I growl.

“Mostly the CIA, but the FBI has a few loose ends from her almost-trial that seem to indicate Van de Berg Ammunition is connected to the PLA or an outright target.”

“Nah.” I pretend indifference. “You’re fishing.”

Zahir scans my face. “Very well. If you’re not interested now, perhaps you’ll take an interest later. If anything changes, ask for a meeting with the warden. He’ll call us, and we can work out the terms of our arrangement.”

“I won’t be calling.” I’ll rot in jail before I put Carys in danger.

He jerks his head toward the exit for the two silent agents by the bookcase. When they’re at the door, I don’t turn around, but instead face the warden who looks as frustrated as I feel. There’s a heavy pause, and I sigh, turning to him. He wants my attention? Fine, he can have it.

“You realize why you’re in here,” Zahir says, “don’t you?”

“Yeah,” I say. “I took a dive.”

“For Carys. Desperate times called for desperate measures. You remember that.”

Did he just threaten her? I shoot out of my chair and storm toward the door, but the two other agents intercept me. “You stay away from her.”

“It’s not me you have to worry about,” Zahir calls over his shoulder. “Contact the warden when you change your mind.”

The prison guard lumbers along the hallway toward us as I seethe.

“You know,” the warden says behind me. “You may not be the only one who’s desperate. Keep that in mind if you end up back in my office.”

“No need to worry about me,” I grit out. “If they’re knocking at my door, they’ve already reached the bottom of the barrel. The stench of desperation coats them. But our interests don’t align.”

“You care about her so much you’re throwing away your chance for freedom?” Disbelief cakes the last word.

Does he think the FBI would set me free? Release me as their trained monkey, maybe. Dangle Carys over a cliff to keep me in line the whole time I’m out. I’ll die a thousand deaths if it means she’s safe. She’s not a risk I’m willing to take. “I’d like to go to my cell.”

“As you wish.” The warden sighs. “Pete, take him back.”

Chapter Six

Carys

SofiatakesLucasfrommy outstretched arms, and I slip on my sandals. “Holding off on their pay worked, huh?”

Jay chuckles and drops his phone into his pocket. “The project manager is very excited to present the progress they’ve made. We’re cooking with gas, literally. The natural gas hookups were installed yesterday.”

“I’m glad to hear things are finally starting to fall into place over there.” I kiss Lucas on the head and grab my purse. “You’re good with his schedule?” She is, but I can’t help asking. She’s the person who helped me figure out a routine.

Sofia’s lips twitch. “I got it. You’re a short drive away, and my husband is never far from his life force.” Her tone is teasing. But the other day she threatened to throw his phone across the room if he checked it one more time while they were talking.

“Please. If I had to make a choice between you and my phone, I’d still pick you, babe. No worries.” He tugs her into a side hug before giving Lucas a quick kiss on his temple. “You look good with a baby in your arms.”

She wags her finger at him. “Someone else’s baby. We’re not having any more.”

Jay chuckles and leads the way out of the house. We both climb into the rear seats, and Dominic slides into the driver’s seat. Now that Jay’s taken on a more formal role organizing the hotel and casino, my security has fallen to the locals we’ve hired. Dominic is quiet but efficient, and the rest of his rotating crew is similar. Bringing in new staff made me nervous, but since I’m building a life here, I have to commit to the place and the people.

“We’re booked into a hotel not far from the facility in Michigan. Gonna feel a bit different.” Jay gives me a side glance. “No glass partition at visitation.”

My heart kicks. We’ll be able to touch. A thrill of anticipation shoots through me. “Seeing him with fewer restrictions will definitely seem like we’re a step closer. We leave in three days?”

“That’s right.”

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