Page 62 of One Step After Another

Penny’s jaw ached. She really needed to unclench her teeth before she broke a molar. Easier said than done, though.

“And that means what—”

“That we can safely assume any move you make after this latest attack will undoubtedly provoke another at some point,” Renzo interjected. It was clear he already knew her question, and the answer before she could even get it out. Obviously the man had been well briefed before he arrived to chat with her. No doubt, that was part of the reason why The League had taken so many days to track Penny down at her current location. “And things will have to change because of that.”

She wasn’t willing to accept that. They were too close to finally coming to a head with the wealthy, powerful pedophile ring to stop now because shit was getting dangerous.

“It was a one-time thing,” Penny replied, shrugging. “A stupid mistake on my part. I got into my feelings about what I thought was a situation I could help. So, we don’t do that again. Seems simple.”

“Highly unlikely—”

“We’re careful,” she snapped, her irritation spilling over at the very idea that her handlers—or even her boss—might call the entire plan off. She had worked years for this. Suffered her entire life to finally end this hell. “And we can be more careful. Make it harder to trace me. Use others in my place for a time. Things can be done.”

Renzo observed her in silence. He was just a messenger, she knew. One shouldn’t kill those, but she was seriously considering it at the moment. Some things just couldn’t be helped.

At Penny’s left where he sat with nothing in front of him, watching the scene unfold, Luca spoke up with, “If I could track you down, even by shit luck in some cases, then someone else can, too, sweetheart. Someone with more money, control ... access. You should consider—”

“Fuck off. Don’t talk on something you don’t know.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Luca’s brow arch.

“Ouch,” he murmured.

She would have apologized.

Except no.

He didn’t understand what was on the line. The guy didn’t have a single clue how much was at stake now.

“He has a point, even if you’re unwilling to listen,” Renzo said quietly. “The plan from here on out is for you to move a lot less than you have been—don’t be seen. At all. Nothing is to be done with your name, moniker, or otherwise, attached. Or The League. Not until the situation is under control and a better assessment has been done where all parties involved can make an educated decision on continuing with the plan. As of now, the plan is off—”

“No.”

Renzo dragged in a heavy breath.

Penny swallowed hard. “No, we’re finally making progress here. It would be stupid to give them time to protect themselves further than they already have. They’re weak. Now is the best time to finish it entirely.”

“Dare has made the call, Penny. Your directive is clear—if you don’t follow orders, then you know the risk you’re taking. Beyond just the consequences you’ll take from The League and your boss, you’ll put everyone who can be connected to you in danger.”

Luca.

Nazio.

Roz.

Little Cross.

Any Donati.

Probably Luca’s family, too.

She knew it.

And still ...

Nothing was simple.

This was also for them.