Page 14 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Sabre absorbed that. The girl had implied that Sabre knew him. She didn’t bite. Instead, she changed direction. “Where did you learn to follow someone like that?”

Bay blinked.

“That’s not something most teenagers know how to do.”

Bay shrugged. “You learn things.”

“From who?”

The girl didn’t answer.

“The person who gave you the name Bay?”

Her expression changed to loyalty again.

Sabre noticed. So did JP.

Sabre studied her for a moment longer. “You trust that person, right?”

“Yes.”

Sabre nodded. “And you believe they’re protecting you.”

“Yes.”

“And that’s why you won’t tell me who you were protecting.”

Bay didn’t answer. But her silence said enough.

Sabre sat back. “All right.”

Bay looked surprised. “You’re not going to keep asking?”

Sabre shook her head. “Not today.”

Bay studied her carefully. “Why?”

“Because you’re not going to tell me today, are you?”

“No.”

“Whatever or whoever you’re protecting,” Sabre said quietly, “you’re not going to give it up until you trust me.”

“But I’m supposed to trust you.”

“I’m not sure what that means.” Sabre stood. “But I do know trust takes time.”

For a moment, Bay looked like she might say something else. But she didn’t.

Sabre and JP stepped into the hall. The door closed behind them with a heavy metallic click.

“So, whoever she is protecting is the real reason Maddox is dead.”

Sabre nodded.

JP looked at her. “So, what now?”

Sabre thought about the moment Bay had almost revealed the person’s name. He hurt—