Page 106 of Drowning in Darkness

I think I like vigilante Stephanie. “What happened to not becoming the heroine who learns how to wield a sword?”

“That was before I realized how many people are ignoring the opportunity to bring him down. Someone needs to sharpen their damn blade.”

“That’s the issue, though. They now have reasons to ensure he doesn’t see the inside of a courtroom.”

Her jaw tics, eyes shining bright with unshed tears. “Then make it so they have no choice but to take him out. Put him in a cell, put a deal on the table, and wait for them to do the job for us. I don’t care how it happens, just that it does.”

The idea has merit. It’s been done before, but it should be me who initiates that hit as the head of the organization. It would be questioned if I don’t act.

“It compromises my position, and Camryn won’t go for it.”

“Agent Sinclair has her own house to clean, James.”

I fold my arms and lean back while studying her. The stubborn tilt of her nose. Her glassy eyes which are both drowning in emotion for each of the victims presented on those screens and narrowed with resolution. I’m probably going to regret this. “I’m listening.”

She blows out a breath and gives me a genuine smile, and I feel like I just unlocked a new level of trust with her. A level she doesn’t give many on account of them treating her like she isn’t capable of making a decision when she’s likely the smartest person in the room.

“He’s pushing for that gala, so we'll give it to him but control all the variables. We design the exits, security, and event specifics to ensure he never leaves with me.”

“Only fools believe they can control everything.”

She leans her ass against the desk and folds her arms. “True, but we can do enough to make ourselves feel comfortable.”

“Perhaps.” I’m not sure anything could make me feel that way with Burnside in the same room as her.

“So we let him get close and engineer a moment or two where he gets time to corner me, keeping it in the main rooms.”

“Then what?”

“Then I drop a tracker in his pocket or wherever you think makes sense.”

Her touching him makes zero sense. “It’s a long shot. You’re assuming he’ll go wherever he keeps his victims while wearing the same clothing.”

She twists her lips to the side. “If I wind him up enough, he’ll need to take it out on someone else if he can’t get me. But we’d need to be ready to intervene because I can’t live with myself if he hurt someone just because he can’t hurt me.”

“Dangerous and diabolical. I’m not sure if I’m impressed and want to kiss you, or mad and need to spank your ass.”

She licks her lips. “Let me know when you decide.”

Jesus. My eyes slide over her bare legs.

“So, my plan?” she pushes.

“Has more holes than a colander.”

“Then rework it until it’s airtight. I’m no expert, but the bones of the setup are good.”

“I’ll think about it.” She grins, and I point at her. “I’m not agreeing to anything but consideration.”

“I need to change my polish,” she declares, striding out of the office and disappearing down the hallway.

Again?

I snatch my phone as a message notification pops up.

Daisy: Checking in. Are you okay?

I scowl. I haven’t even thought about her and what she provides, and there’s only one reason for that—a temptress who wears my shirts and underwear. Damn, I didn’t check if she’d stolen another pair.