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I shook my head, a low and rusty sound emerging from my throat. "No."
He sighed, shaking his head. The gesture was condescending—as if frustrated he was dealing with either an obstinate or stubborn child. “Saul will have ultimate authority on how to punish you, since your agreement was made with him specifically."
"It wasn't an agreement," I stared him down, finding my voice, growing angry that he was being so damn condescending. "I was forced into it."
"You willingly signed the contract with me. In that contract, it states that we can change the requirements of the contract. Saul may have," he glanced at Saul, almost disapprovingly, "used a little unnecessary force when he informed you of the changes, but that is allowed. Did you not receive several offers from the men of the Magnolia?"
"Ye-"
“And did you not receive payment for your sister's living expenses. Your phone and utility bills were paid. Among other things?”
"Yes, but that was Rook--"
"As was his duty, when he applied to become your custodian. I heard he also paid for the repairs to your house after the fire. Which I’m sure was a substantial expense.”
I grit my teeth, anger filling me, burning through the fear inside me.
The fire that they started.
“There are rules, Miss Duvall. Rules that you agreed to when you signed the contract,” he continued. “As far as I’m concerned, our part of the contract has been fulfilled, beyond what was required of us. And when you break your end of the contract, there are consequences. Do you understand, Miss Duvall?"
I swallowed down the knot in my throat and stared into his eyes. “Yes."
“Now," he took a step closer, his face unemotional, "Do you have the information Saul has required of you, or not?"
I didn't answer. I couldn’t. My throat was locked up, the word, Undergrove unable to spill out.
Emerson sighed impatiently, "It's a simple question. Yes. Or no."
"No," the word burst from me, the defiance in me finding its voice.
"No?" He crooked an eyebrow upward. For the first time tonight, he seemed to actually be interested in what was going on. Saul's breath quickened, his lips pinching, holding off a smile.
"No." My answer was simple. I wouldn't give up Rook. Instead, I would suffer the consequences, whatever they would be.
I took in a low breath, feeling at peace with my answer.
Rook taught me to make my own way in life, and this was what I was choosing.
"I see." Emerson glanced towards the bay. He didn't speak for a long moment, and I suddenly realized that the chanting had stopped.
The whole world seemed to be on edge, waiting for Emerson to answer. The men surrounding me were quiet, with Saul’s dark gaze on me expectantly. Even the marshes were still.
He finally turned back towards me. He nodded. "I understand." Then he turned his back, and walked off.
I stared at him, wide eyed and dumb. Half of the crowd of men moved, following behind him, while the other half stayed behind, watching what Saul would do next.
"Maxon." Saul snapped an order, and the large bodyguard went to the corner of the dock. He picked up a canvas bag and dropped it at Saul’s feet.
"I’m not surprised that you defied me. You are your father’s daughter, after all.” Saul said, with Harrison leering over his shoulder.
I stared Harrison down. I was no longer the little kid he could fuck around with. If he touched me, I would claw his eyes out.
“He didn't want to follow instructions either. But, no matter, he learned his lesson, just like you are about to." Saul said. "Don't worry, I may have given up on you, but there's always your sister."
“You motherfucker!" I tried to launch myself at him, but the bodyguard was too fast. In an instant, Maxon had captured me in a steel hold, keeping me from clawing Saul's eyes out. "Be quiet," Maxon grunted, low enough that I knew it was for my ears only, "and maybe you'll get out of this alive."
Was he... was he going to help me?
