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“And you destroy children—kids like your nephew.”
Kart shifted in his seat, making Kenna wonder if she’d just told him something he didn’t know.
Then she remembered she had planned tonottell him.Oops.
He said, “You really think you have a choice in this?”
“Of course, I have a choice.” Everyone had choices about what they did. Even if refusal meant death.
“So you’re choosing to die rather than do a simple job?”
She twisted around to Kart. Part of her wanted to find the humor in this, but it was more tragic than funny. “I’m supposed to turn a blind eye?”
“There’s that high horse again.”
Navarro said, “It’s in your best interest to broker this peace treaty.”
Kenna glanced at him.
“Or more people will die than is necessary.” He waved at Kart. “We will continue to be rivals and destroy each other. Innocents could be caught in the crossfire.”
She could ask them to set free every captive they currently had and halt all business just to satisfy her need to feel like she helped them. But life was never that simple, and it was unlikely they would voluntarily lose money just to satisfy her. “No children.”
Neither of them said anything.
“If I see even one single child, or a teenager. Anyone under the age of eighteen. In either of your operations”—she took a breath—“I’m done.”
“You want paperwork?” Kart snorted.
“I could do nothing.”
He shifted, and she couldn’t stop herself flinching. “But you won’t. Because you know what will happen.”
“I expect to hear from you.” Navarro walked away with his men.
Ramon wasn’t among them.
Kart didn’t get up, and neither did Kenna. She bit the inside of her lip between her teeth, where no one would see.Camila.Before Kart could say anything, she pushed her chair back. “I want to go in the church. Get some guidance.”
She also wanted to run.
Look for Stairns.
Scream at the sky.
Shove all these armed men away and try to escape—which would likely result in her being shot.
Kart grasped her forearm. The snap of pain that whipped through her arm broke a piece of something inside her she’d been trying to keep contained for days. She screamed out all the pain and frustration in his face until tears ran from the corners of her eyes.
He let go. Not a reaction but a slow and measured move. Assessing her.
Ascertaining that pain was very real.
She hoped he felt bad for all he’d put her through. That somewhere deep down inside him there was a spark of empathy. She doubted it would lead to him letting her go—but maybe he’d feel bad about handing her over to his cousin.
A car marked with aPoliciadecal slowed in front of them. The driver glanced at them as he rolled by, window down. Kart lifted two fingers. The driver continued.
“Friend of yours?” She had to clear her throat, and that question didn’t sound like she had any bravado left. Which was absolutely true.
