Page 162 of Reeves

"Yeah."

"Listen, I know that tone. Whatever you're thinking, be smart about it. You can't just roll up and start making accusations. Especially since I essentially broke into their server to get this."

"I got it, Gabe. Thanks for the intel."

"Anytime. I'm here if you need me."

The line goes dead, and I lower the phone to my side.

I stand there for maybe thirty seconds, staring through the glass while the conclusion forms itself without any help from me.

Someone tried to fuck with Charli's business to force her into selling.

That someone made a mistake. No matter what happens after Friday, I won't stand by and let anyone hurt her.

I shift my shoulder and pain catches, but I ignore it.

My mind moves to this morning. I think about Charli at the kitchen table, her hands shaking as she held that tablet. The wayher voice went tight when she read the email out loud. The way she held it together because that's what she does. Always.

I pull up Henderson’s name on the search engine. MedSouth Pediatric Partners comes up first, along with a list of affiliations and a headshot that’s supposed to put people at ease.

Board certifications. Clean bio. It's the kind of profile built to make parents, and these smaller practices trust him without asking too many questions.

The address is on Poydras, like Gabe said.

I tap it and send it to my GPS. The route loads, and he's only ten minutes from here. Let's go.

I push off the counter and grab my keys, my thumb running along the edge of them as I head for the door.

People like him stay behind desks. Paperwork. Calls. Layers that keep things slow and controlled. No one walks in and asks the question straight to their face.

My jaw sets as I head out. He thought he could lean on her, but he picked the wrong person to push.

I'm almost to the door when my phone buzzes. The sound cuts through my forward motion, and I stop with my hand on the doorknob to see if it's Charli.

It is.

Benjy wants to come. We'll need to run a few errands first, but can be on the road by five, which means we should get there around 6:30. Does that work?

Absolutely. I'll run over to the bunker and make sure everything is ready.

She didn't say they will stay, but if she's not even getting in until after six, there's no way she's going back tonight.

I check the time. I can still make my little visit. But I'll confirm he's there first.

I pull the website back up and click on the number.

"MedSouth Pediatric Partners, this is Jessica. How can I help you?"

"Hi there. I'm new to New Orleans and looking for therapy services for my son. I was hoping to come by and speak with someone today.”

My voice stays level, professional. The kind of tone that doesn't raise questions.

"Oh, that's wonderful. You sure can. What type of therapy are you looking for?"

"Physical and occupational. My son has some developmental delays, and we want to make sure he gets the right support. Someone recommended Dr. Henderson."

"Dr. Henderson doesn't see therapy patients, but he can meet with you and make sure you're set up with the ideal therapist. for your son's needs. And you're in luck, he's in the office today."