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Victor moved so quickly, she barely had time to brace herself before his palm struck her across the face. Pain exploded through her cheek, and she toppled sideways against the mattress. For a moment, all she could hear was ringing.
The metallic taste of blood registered a moment later.
“That’s enough, Victor.” Whitaker sounded mildly irritated.
Devon pushed herself upright, breathing hard as blood trickled from her split lip.
“She’s lying to you.” Victor stared her down.
Whitaker turned his attention back to her. “As you can see, Victor isn’t a very patient man.”
She glared at him through watering eyes. “You think hitting me is going to make me tell you something I don’t know?”
“I think you’re withholding information.”
“Well, you’re wrong.”
Whitaker watched her for a long moment.
“Who else knows about Meridian?”
Devon thought of Blake’s teammates. Janie. Lincoln and Dr. O’Neill. Then she thought about what happened to Carol Jenkins and Scott Mitchell. What happened to her.
No way in hell would she give this man someone else to torture.
Whitaker sighed. “Your loyalty is admirable. Misplaced, but admirable.”
Devon wiped blood from her chin with the back of her bound hand. “What did you do to Blake?”
For the first time, Whitaker appeared genuinely interested. “Mr. Savage?”
Her throat tightened. “Is he alive?”
Whitaker glanced at Victor before turning back to her. “I’m afraid Mr. Savage made an unfortunate decision when he chose to interfere.”
Devon’s heart seemed to stop. “That doesn’t answer my question.”
“No,” Whitaker agreed. “It doesn’t.”
She stared at him, desperate for something in his face that would tell her the truth. There was nothing.
“I want to know if he’s alive.”
Whitaker rose.
“What I want, Miss Brighton, is the information you recovered. And until I’m satisfied you’ve told me everything, you’ll remain here.”
And the second I tell you, you’ll have me killed.
The arrogant man adjusted his cuffs.
“I suggest you use your time in here to reconsider how cooperative you intend to be.”
Devon watched him approach the door.
“Wait.”
Whitaker stopped, bringing his hopeful gaze her way. “Yes?”
