Page 45 of Shadow

Draven sat back slowly. “I want that location, Asher.”

“You’ll have it.”

“When?”

“When I have it.”

“Not good enough.”

“It’s all I’ve got.”

Draven’s eyes narrowed. “I could make this difficult for you.”

“You could try.”

“Don’t make me come after you. I’ll figure out where your family is. Your mother in Denver. Your partner in Renegade. Everyone you care about.”

Asher looked Draven in the eyes. Voice flat. “I don’t have family.”

Draven blinked. “Everyone has family.”

“I don’t.”

“Your mother⁠—”

“Hasn’t spoken to me since my sister died.” He said it without a blink, then leaned forward, cut his voice low. “Listen. Nobody’s worried about me. Nobody’s coming for me. That’s what makes me useful.”

Draven studied him. “You’re telling me you have nothing.”

“I’m telling you I have exactly what you need. Intel on federal protection. Access to the operation. No attachments to compromise me.” Asher leaned forward. “You want Roger and Destiny’s location. I’ll get it. But threatening people I don’t have won’t motivate me. Paying me will.”

“I’m already paying you.”

“Then trust that I’ll deliver, or don’t. But this meeting is wasting both our time.”

Draven’s expression shifted. “You’ve got kahunas, Asher. I’ll give you that.”

“I’ve got twenty-eight days until Roger testifies. That’s what I’ve got.”

Draven stood.

Asher stood too. “I’ll check in when I have something.”

“Don’t take too long.”

“I’ll take exactly as long as it takes to not get caught.”

Draven extended his hand.

Asher shook it. Firm.

He turned and walked toward the door.

Dmitri’s voice cut through the cold. “He’s lying.”

Asher didn’t stop. Didn’t turn. Kept walking.

“Dmitri.” Draven’s voice. Calm. “We’ll see.”