Page 50 of Penn

“But the ones who matter most weren’t as forgiving,” I finish softly, knowing exactly who she’s talking about.

Mila’s jaw clenches, her eyes glassy but refusing to spill tears. “My parents disowned me a long time ago for turning Peter in,” she says tightly. “But after the article came out…” Her lips tremble, and she shakes her head, eyes dropping to her lap. “My mom sent me a message. Told me I was a disgrace.”

“And did the threats ramp up after that?” Kynan asks calmly, but the undercurrent of anger is unmistakable.

Mila nods, her fingers twisting tighter. “Almost immediately.” She meets Kynan’s gaze, her blue eyes filled with vulnerability. “I thought coming forward would make me safer… but now I feel more exposed than ever.”

Kynan’s jaw ticks, his expression hardening. “Public exposure like that can be a double-edged sword,” he murmurs. “It puts a spotlight on the situation, but it also makes you a target.”

“Do you think the article could flush out whoever’s been threatening her?” I ask, my mind already racing ahead.

“Possibly,” Kynan replies thoughtfully. “It’s not uncommon for threats to escalate after a public statement. Whoever’s behind this might feel backed into a corner. Desperation makes people reckless.”

“Which could make them easier to catch?” I press.

“Theoretically,” Kynan agrees, his eyes alight with curiosity. “Sounds like you might have an idea.”

“Yeah,” I say, fully confident in what I’m about to propose. “We out me as the other person. It’s bound to happen, but let me at least be in control of the narrative. I’ll talk to that same reporter for a follow-up article, and I’ll goad whoever is making the threats. We force them into the spotlight right with us.”

“That’s too dangerous,” Mila exclaims angrily. “I won’t let you do that.”

“You don’t have a say in what I do, Mila.” Not harshly, but there is no room for debate. Her eyes drop away and I turn back to Kynan. “It’s a good idea, right?”

“It could work,” he agrees hesitantly. “But Mila’s right… you might really piss them off and make them come after you even harder.”

“I want them to know they’ve fucked with the wrong person,” I growl, and Kynan’s lips curve, but it’s a predator’s smile—sharp, calculating and dangerous. But just so he understands who the wrong person is, I turn to Mila and take her hand. “If it were just me, I wouldn’t bother. But it’s you they seem fixated on, so I say let’s stir up some shit and dare those fuckers to come after us.”

Kynan appraises Mila but turns his attention to me. “I guess I’m not getting why Mila seems to be the one they’re focusing on.”

I lift a shoulder. “My guess is because without Mila, none of this would have happened. My testimony alone wasn’t enough. Mila’s corroboration is what gave the police what they needed to make arrests. She was the nail in the coffin.”

“Then putting attention on you could take the heat a little off Mila,” Kynan muses.

Mila’s eyes lock onto mine and she stares for a long moment.

“It’s the best plan,” I say to her.

I can see resolution take hold as she straightens, shoulders squaring. “Okay… let’s do it.”

Kynan starts typing again. “Okay. Let’s break this down.” After a few more keystrokes, he swivels back to us. “Here’s what I can do for you. We’ll do a deep dive into the threats by tracing the digital footprint as best we can. If there’s even the smallest crack in their anonymity, we’ll find it. I’m going to send agents to talk to these guys. In fact, I’d like to catch Peter by surprise, given that he’s walking out of prison today. We’ll jump on him fast but give me a few days and we’ll have made contact with all of them.”

My head spins. This is so much more than I had anticipated. Jameson is going on the offensive for us. They’re going to confront Peter today. I’m seriously fucking impressed.

“You’ll need protection,” Kynan continues smoothly. “We’ll put surveillance on both of you, around the clock, at least two agents at all times. We’ll check out your security system and upgrade it if necessary. Cameras, alarms and if needed, boots on the ground. No one gets near you without us knowing.”

Mila’s eyes widen. “That… seems expensive.”

Kynan laughs, his eyes crinkling as he jerks his head my way. “I think your boyfriend is good for the money.”

“Drop in the bucket,” I say reassuringly, and not correcting him on his identification of me as her boyfriend. It seems a little immature—more like partners in after-crime—but I like it. “Spend whatever it takes.”

Kynan nods. “I don’t take half measures when it comes to protecting my clients.”

“This is more than I could have hoped for,” I tell Kynan and I hope he can hear my gratitude.

“This is what we do, Penn,” Kynan says softer, but still firm. “And we don’t lose.”

I glance at Mila, who’s staring at Kynan like he’s offering her a lifeline. Which, I guess… he is.

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