Page 72 of Close Protection

Ivy kept her expression neutral despite the spike of fear and hope that surged at the mention of Julia. If Marcus was worried about Julia hunting them, it meant she was alive.

"If Detective Scott were in pursuing mode, we'd know," Knox replied coolly. "Our source in the department would have reported movement."

"Unless she's gone off-grid," Marcus countered. "She's already breaking protocol by sleeping with a witness."

The casual revelation—that Knox knewabout her relationship with Julia—sent a cold wave through Ivy's body. The surveillance had been more extensive than she'd realized. Julia’s apartment and their movements throughout the operation against Knox's organization—all monitored by someone with intimate knowledge of their investigation.

And intimate knowledge of their personal relationship.

Knox glanced at her, studying her reaction. "Did you think that was private, Dr. Monroe? The detective's…unprofessional interest? Lieutenant Harper provided quite detailed reporting."

The violation was calculated to destabilize her. Ivy refused to give him the satisfaction, instead turning the revelation against them.

"And yet you still failed to anticipate our strategy," she replied calmly. "All that surveillance, and you still couldn't stop your organization from unraveling."

Marcus moved again, ignoring Knox's previous order. "Enough of this. We need what she knows, not this cat-and-mouse bullshit."

Richards stepped forward, positioning himself between Marcus and Ivy. "The boss gave an order," he said quietly.

The tension crackled, a power struggle Ivy had deliberately cultivated now playing out before her. Knox observed with clinical detachment, assessing the fracture in his own organization without intervening.

"Your archangels seem to be falling, Mr. Knox," Ivy observed, gesturing to the portraits that still adorned the office walls.

For the first time, genuine anger flashed across Knox's face—quickly contained, but revealing. "My organization has withstood greater challenges than one forensic accountant."

"And yet three board members resigned this morning," Ivy countered. "Your shell companies are liquidating assets at losses. Your political contacts are publicly distancing themselves."

Ivy's mind worked through the implications of Knox's claim about Harper. He'd referred to a single source in the department, then tried to imply there were more. A classic bluff tactic—suggest greater infiltration than actually achieved. LieutenantHarper was likely his only true asset, though her position had given her access to significant information.

Knox closed the laptop with deliberate control. "Richards, prepare the video equipment. It's time for Dr. Monroe to make a statement to her colleagues at the Phoenix Ridge PD."

The shift in approach was concerning but not unexpected. Knox had reached the limit of his patience with technical delays.

"Marcus, you're relieved for now," Knox continued. "Check the perimeter."

The bearded enforcer stiffened, clearly insulted by the dismissal, but complied after a moment of visible struggle with his pride. The door closed behind him with unnecessary force.

"You've successfully identified certain organizational tensions," Knox acknowledged once they were alone save for Richards, who was setting up a camera and lighting equipment. "Though I wouldn't recommend continuing that strategy."

"Marcus seems unstable," Ivy remarked.

"Marcus is a tool, like any other," Knoxreplied, unmoved. "Useful for specific applications."

Richards finished setting up the equipment, a professional-grade camera positioned before her chair. Not a hastily arranged hostage video, but a planned production designed to appear legitimate.

"Phoenix Ridge Police Department has expended considerable resources searching for you," Knox explained, checking the camera settings. "You're going to help us redirect those resources with a convincing statement."

"A false confession," Ivy clarified.

"An alternative narrative," Knox corrected. "You decided the pressure of testifying was too great. You fabricated certain elements of your evidence. You need time away to reconsider your position."

Richards positioned lights to eliminate shadows, erasing evidence of the shipping container office's industrial setting. With proper framing, she could be anywhere.

"Your colleagues will recognize coercion," Ivy said.

"Perhaps." Knox adjusted the camera angle. "But it will create sufficient uncertaintyto divide their resources between searching for you and reexamining your evidence."

The strategy was calculating, designed to undermine both her credibility and the department's response. Knox handed her a tablet displaying a prepared script.

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