Page 37 of Shadow

“He’ll wait for Roger’s release. Hit during transport or immediately after.”

“So we don’t use federal transport.”

“Exactly.” Asher pulled up maps. Routes. “I have intelligence on syndicate surveillance patterns. Known operatives. Likely ambush points.”

“Share it.”

He turned his laptop toward her. Files. Reports. Surveillance logs.

Everything.

Complete operational intelligence.

Daphne downloaded everything to her secure drive. She’d verify later. Cross-reference. Check sources.

“I think that’s enough for now.” She closed her laptop. “I need to verify this intelligence. Scout locations. Prepare for Roger’s release tomorrow.”

“I can help⁠—”

“I work alone.”

“Patterson said⁠—”

“And we’re back to that. Listen. You provide intelligence. I run operations. That’s the deal.”

Asher’s jaw tightened. But he nodded. “Fine.”

“I’ll contact you if I need additional information.”

“Oh goody. So I’m just, what—a glorified taxi driver?”

“With a gun.”

“That should go on a movie poster.”

Again, the smile.

She got up. “Thanks.”

“No problem. I want them alive as much as you do.”

And shoot, but she did believe him.

She turned away. Walked to the door.

Opened it.

Stopped.

Looked back.

“The diner this morning. When you took down that kid.” She kept her voice level. “You really can’t help playing hero.”

Asher’s expression shifted. “Is that a problem?”

“Yeah.” She held his gaze. “It is.”

Four