Page 68 of Close Protection

"Impressive," he acknowledged. "Though ultimately futile. Your evidence release was...inconvenient, but recoverable."

"Is that why your shell companies are liquidating assets at thirty percent belowmarket value? Or why three of your board members resigned since midnight?"

Knox's fingers stilled on the case latches.

He hadn't known about the board resignations. Her contingency protocols were working—timed information releases continuing the systematic dismantling of his empire even in her absence.

"I've always appreciated competence, Dr. Monroe." Knox opened the case to reveal a laptop. "Someone of your talents could have been an asset rather than an adversary."

"I don't work for criminals."

"No. You simply dismantle their operations with remarkable efficiency." He set the laptop on the chair. "You've forced my timeline considerably."

"Your infrastructure acquisition strategy was impressive," she said, shifting to relieve pressure on her wrists. "Control of critical resources around Phoenix Ridge—water treatment, electrical substations, emergency corridors. Most people never noticed the pattern."

"Most people lack vision. Phoenix Ridge has undervalued its critical infrastructure for decades. I simply recognized the...leveragethat controlling access points would provide."

"Leverage against prosecution," Ivy stated flatly.

"Insurance against overzealous authorities."

"Is that what you told Lieutenant Harper when you bought her?" Ivy asked, watching his reaction. "That she was ensuring reasonable accommodation?"

The flicker in Knox's eyes confirmed another suspicion. Harper wasn't his only asset in the department.

"What I need from you is a complete accounting of your evidence," Knox said, voice hardening. "Provide that willingly, and this concludes with your relocation rather than your disappearance."

The threat hung between them. Ivy maintained her expression, refusing to show fear. He believed she was operating from the standard witness protection playbook. He hadn't understood that she and Julia had already changed the rules.

"And if I refuse?"

Knox closed the laptop with a soft click that carried more menace than a slam.

"You've studied my organization thoroughly enough to know I don't make empty threats." He nodded to the guard. "Marcus will demonstrate if necessary."

The guard stepped forward, tactical baton extending with a metallic snap.

Ivy calculated her next move. She needed to survive long enough for Julia to find the clues she'd left behind. The thought of Julia sent a wave of emotion through her chest. If Julia had survived the assault—and Ivy refused to consider the alternative—she would be hunting already. The woman who had protected her, fought beside her, finally surrendered to her, would be following the trail with single-minded focus.

"I assume you've analyzed the financial implications of killing a federal witness," she said calmly.

A flicker of uncertainty. Good.

"The penalties are significantly higher than standard homicide. Especially when combined with conspiracy charges across state lines. Your Aspen property would be particularly vulnerable to seizure."

Knox's expression hardened, confirmationthat her shot in the dark had landed. "You've been thorough."

"That's why you're here personally."

As Knox turned to leave, Ivy played her calculated card. "The eastern properties were just phase one."

Knox paused, back still turned. The perfect stillness of his posture told Ivy she had hit her mark.

"Your board members didn't resign because of what I've released. They resigned because of what's scheduled for noon."

Knox turned slowly. "Explain."

"Time-locked releases. Financial records linking your shell companies to offshore accounts managed by your board members personally. Their resignation isn't principled; it's preventative."

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