Page 22 of Ghost Among Lies

I handled her leaving me. I handled the shit my parents put me through. I even navigated the Dunkin family before I was smart enough to get away from them. I was stronger than she thought, but I wanted her to give me the chance to prove it. One look at her face and I knew it wouldn't happen. She was going to stand firm on this.

If I had any chance of changing her mind, I needed to back off for the moment and regroup. I sure as hell didn't want to do this, but maybe, it was the only way.

I sighed and met Anita's hard gaze. "You said when you walked in you had some questions for me and untying me was a sign of good faith. Ask away. I'll do my best to answer, but you have to understand there're some things I won't discuss, because I refuse to put others in harm's way."

I was given a rare opportunity to get out from under the Dunkin family, but that didn't mean they weren't actively looking for me. I knew too damn much.

"How do you know Mason Dunkin?"

I knew the question was coming, but that didn't mean I had to like it or wanted to answer. But this was supposed to be a sign of good faith, so despite my hesitation, I went on. "He helped me get away from his family."

All three pairs of eyes turned glacial. To say they weren't happy was an understatement.

Anita stepped forward and took over the line of questioning. "How did you get tied up with a mob family?"

"Stupidity." I dry-laughed. "My life was shit, and I wanted a way to earn good money. As it turned out, I had a skill they very much needed."

All three exchanged glances, but only Anita spoke. "What kind of skill?"

"Now see this is one of those things that could put you at risk if you know." The thought of putting anyone in the Dunkins’ crosshairs bothered me. Especially considering what I used to do for them.

"We can handle ourselves."

"Maybe but I have firsthand knowledge of how Alexander handles things, and I would prefer if that didn't happen to you because of me."

"You're him." Beckett looked at me like he was trying to solve a puzzle. My hackles rose. There was no way he could know my secret.

"I don't know what you mean." I tried to play it off, but I could see he wasn't buying it.

"Alexander's favorite fixer. There were rumors about you, but everyone assumed it was nothing more than a myth. One day, you were the talk of the office and then nothing. Honestly, I thought Alexander offed you."

"You've got me confused with someone else."

Beckett shook his head. "No, I don't think I do. You see, we had an agent undercover around the time you were working for Alexander. He heard a lot of talk but could never get close enough to lock down the information. Then things changed. Alexander got cagey, and the bureau decided to pull the agent. After that, Alexander locked things down even tighter, and we switched gears. Tried to get Mason to flip instead."

I knew exactly what Beckett was talking about. I remember the agent well. Alexander was suspicious and wanted me to take care of it. It was then I knew I needed to get out. It was one thing to take out or clean up the scumbags who’d double-crossed Alexander. It was another to kill an agent. I didn't want that on my conscience.

"So, yeah, you're him. The question is, why did you leave, and how did you manage to make it out?"

"That's actually two questions." I was deflecting like crazy. I was backed into a corner, but that didn't mean I wasn't going to come out swinging and make it hard for them.

"Fine. Two questions. Now answer them." It was Anita who snapped. Apparently, she was done with Beckett taking the lead on things.

"Let's just say I was him. Don't you think it would be better for all involved if you didn't know that bit of information? Plausible deniability is usually the better option."

"In this case, I think it's better to have all the information available so we can figure out how to move forward." Beckett was back at it, and honestly, I liked talking to him better. Anita appeared a bit unhinged at the moment, and Sloane was standing back, observing the whole thing.

I sighed heavily. "You're right. I was Alexander's favorite fixer. Not the only one but certainly the favorite. I have a knack for being meticulous in my work, and he liked that. The agent you're referring to is the reason I got out. Alexander wanted me to figure out who the traitor was and get rid of them. When I went to handle the job, I learned he was an agent and couldn't follow through. I may have also sent in a tip that ensured the agent’s cover would be blown. That was one line I wouldn't cross."

"And how did you get out?"

"Everyone knew Mason wanted nothing to do with the family business. I explained to him who I was and that I needed out. As it turns out, he was already setting things in motion long before you got to him. He was nice enough to lend me his contact. I walked away and never looked back."

"You expect us to believe he trusted you just like that?" Anita snapped her finger.

"Not at all, but like I said, I was meticulous in my work, and that included keeping detailed records of everything I did for Alexander. I wanted an insurance policy, and Mason wanted that same connection should he ever need it. We had an agreement that kept us both safe, and we never communicated until you saw us at the cafe."

I should've despised Mason for putting me in this situation, but it was hard to do that when our meeting brought Sloane back into my life.