A pause stretched outside.
Then:
“She’s unfortunate collateral.”
Ice flooded my bloodstream.
Hersh’s entire body changed beside me.
Not fear.
Not panic.
Pure murderous intent.
I felt it instantly.
The man standing beside me wasn’t just protective anymore.
He was seconds away from killing everyone outside that barn with his bare hands if he had to.
“She’s not collateral,” Hersh said.
Even Trigger glanced down sharply at the tone in his voice.
“What do you know about her?” Hersh demanded.
Another flash of lightning lit the barn.
And for half a second?—
I saw movement outside the shattered doorway.
Tall.
Broad shoulders.
Black tactical gear.
Watching us.
Watching me.
“She was leverage,” Shepherd replied simply.
Rage flashed across Hersh’s face instantly.
Years of pain.
Years of restraint.
Gone.
“You used her?”
“No,” Shepherd corrected calmly. “Mercer did.”
Rook subtly shifted position beside the lockbox.
