Page 36 of Shadow

“He’s not.”

“How do I know that?”

“You don’t.” He met her eyes.

Fair.

Frustrating, but fair.

“What about Detective Martinelli? He was on site.”

“Michael’s clean. I know him through Dani.”

“You sure he’s clean?”

“Squeaky. He wants Draven taken down more than anyone.”

“Everyone has a price.”

“Not everyone.” His voice went hard. “Some people actually believe in something beyond money.”

The passion there was real.

She’d bet her life on it.

Except.

She was betting Roger and Destiny’s lives.

Different stakes.

“Tell me about the attack on Roger in prison.”

Asher’s expression darkened. “I read the file, same as you. Professional hit. Disguised as inmate violence. Roger got cut. Nearly died. Only survived because guards intervened faster than expected.”

“And Destiny’s attack?”

“Like I said. Safe house breached.”

“Which proves federal protection is compromised.”

“Which is why you’re here.” He leaned forward. “Private security. Off the grid. No federal oversight. No mole access.”

“Unless the mole is you and you’re sitting here getting all my operational details.”

“Then you’re about to make a very big mistake trusting me.”

“I haven’t decided to trust you yet.”

“Smart.”

He stared at her.

And then he smiled. Something wry, something that could…well, it sort of nudged her off her axis. Not like her world was moved or anything, but…

Okay, maybe a little.

She broke eye contact first. Looked at her laptop. “What’s Draven’s next move?”