Page 56 of Wicked Sin

Interesting that all of the Dashford Reid sisters gravitated toward men of a certain type—nothing like their father. Military men, bodyguards. Fixers. Wealthy to be sure, but full of danger.

Danger that’s on your side isn’t really danger, though. It’s protection.

And in an instant, I see that all of the Reid sisters are painfully aware of their need for protection—and to protect each other.

Even though Taylor hurt Hailey a long time ago, wounds that haven’t healed, the middle sister is here, hating me for not protecting her sister enough.

“Thank you for seeing me. I understand you’ve been in contact with the Missing Persons Unit. And you get how it is. I can’t say anything that would jeopardize the investigation.” Or anything that might get picked up by microphones if the room is hot.

Cole reads my mind. “We’ve swept the space, and we’ve got signal disrupters in place. This is a safe space.”

“Maybe it is. Maybe it isn’t. But I don’t know you people.” I look at Hailey and Alison. “I know your sister. I know she wouldn’t want you to worry.”

“Someone wants to kill her,” Hailey finally speaks. There’s nothing soft about her voice. It’s full of steel. Regal. “If she’s harmed in any way, we’ll make sure the LAPD and the FBI are all dragged for that. If you can’t keep her safe—”

I can. I am.

“Could we speak privately?” I look at Alison. “Both of you. Just for a moment.”

Cole and Scott don’t move from their guard dog positions near their wives. Not until Hailey stands and nods. “Yes, all right.”

When we’re alone, I hand over the note.

Hailey starts to cry. “When did she write this?”

“After she left the police station.” Technically, that’s true.

“And she’s safe right now?”

“Yes.”

“They told us they didn’t know where she was.”

“Nobody does.Thatis keeping her safe, Ms. Reid. She’s very worried about leaks inside law enforcement that go to the highest levels of the government.”

Hailey’s eyes snap to my face. Searching. “And do you believe her?”

“Yes.” I don’t hesitate here. This is crucial. “I absolutely believe her. I know she’s in danger. I know she’s a survivor, and she knows things, and there are people who would hurt her for that knowledge.”

“Our parents?” This question is from Ali. Her voice cracks, and I don’t miss that Hailey takes her younger sister’s hand and squeezes.

“Anyone in a position of extreme power and privilege has a lot to lose if that position is threatened.” A lot of words to say, yes, maybe your fucking parents.

“Gerome Lively?” Hailey asks. Her voice doesn’t crack and she doesn’t need anyone to hold her hand. “The FBI won’t look at him. The civil case ground to a halt when Victor Best was elected president. If you have any power to look into him, you should do that. My husband can provide you with any information you might need.”

“Your husband’s information isn’t helpful to me, Ms. Reid.”

“Mrs. Parker,” she corrects me.

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m not.” She flicks her gaze to the far side of the room, and her husband appears from behind a door.

Protection. Fear.

For all their privilege, these women didn’t know safety until they left their family—and still, threats bark at their door.

“Thank you for the tip,” I tell her. “I’ll see myself out.”

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