Page 137 of Coff

Brian nods.

“Okay, so there are a higher number of people coming after me now. Does that change the plan? I’m still hiding out, right?” I ask.

Brian doesn’t meet my gaze. “It changes everything,” he says. “Your father’s enemies have connections everywhere. There is nowhere you can go that will be safe.”

A chill spreads up my body. “Are you saying it’s a foregone conclusion that I’ll die? Should I just walk out into the street now?”

Brian’s brow shoots up. “No, that’s not what I’m saying.” He sighs. “I’m saying that our original plan to have you and Logan stay in a safe house won’t work. Even if the mayor is convicted, there will be people coming after you for the cash.”

“Isn’t the reward to prevent me from testifying? Once I do, wouldn’t it be revoked?” I ask. I don’t know how this works, but that seems logical. Why would the mayor pay for something once it’s too late?

“He’s not the only one offering a bounty. Once word spread that someone was going after the Manzias, well, others jumped in on it, too.”

Manzias? “That means my family isn’t safe. You have to protect them!”

Brian nods. “I’ve sent a couple of agents to locate your brother and discuss the situation with him.”

I wring my hands together. “My mom and uncle are at the mansion.”

Brian nods. “I’ll send someone there as well.”

“I have a couple of agents watching the house who can share this information,” Harding says.

If we all have to hide for a while, what will happen to the business? Not that I care about it, but if we can’t run it, someone will take it over. Or will my uncle fight for it?

“Delaney.”

My eyes go to Brian.

“There is only one way for you to survive this.”

Logan is staring at the floor, avoiding my eyes. “Brian, you better not be suggesting what I think you are.”

“I’m sorry, Logan. It’s the only way.” Brian turns to me. “You will enter the witness protection program. You will be given a new name and place to live. They will ask you to change your appearance, likely cutting and dying your hair.”

Brian keeps talking, but I don’t hear anything more. My heart is beating so loudly. Witness protection? I look at Logan. Would I get to see him? Based on the hurt emanating from his eyes, the answer is no.

Someone taps my leg. “Delaney, did you hear me?”

Brian is next to me. “You’ll need to leave today.”

“What about her testimony?” Logan asks.

“We’ll do a video deposition before she leaves. I’ve already worked it out with the mayor’s attorney,” Brian says.

I don’t hear the rest of their conversation as my stomach rolls. I run toward Brian’s desk and find his trashcan. I grab it just in time for the contents of my stomach to come pouring out as I vomit.

Then I lean against his desk. Logan is there handing me a tissue. I wipe my mouth and toss it into the trashcan. I leave tonight.

“What about my family?” I ask. “Can I talk to them?”

Brian walks into my view. “You can call them this afternoon. But after tonight, no.”

I meet Logan’s eyes. “If I do this, I’ll never see you again, will I?”

His eyes grow glassy as he shakes his head.

“How can I leave you when we finally found each other again?” I ask.

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