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“Just hanging out. Chloe called and said she’s coming by for lunch. She should be here any minute.”
“Scott still hanging out?”
“Yep, I finally got him to take a cup of coffee.” She giggles.
“He’s protecting a very precious gem. Scott’s an excellent cop. He’s dedicated to his task.”
“Then Scott deserves a prize.”
I laugh, content that she’s safely guarded and at home. “I’ll give Caleb your recommendation.” Alex is by my side waiting as I end the call. “She’s home, and Scott’s with her.”
Alex nods. “Right. That’s good.”
Damian joins us a few minutes later. “He wants a deal and won’t talk until we have something in writing. Caleb’s calling the district attorney to see what our options are. Connor says the clock is ticking. If he’s telling the truth, whatever’s going to happen is going to happen in the next twenty-four hours.”
“He could be lying,” Alex points out.
“Why? We’ve got him on two murders, embezzlement and attempted murder. His best option is to work a deal,” Damian says.
“If something happens to Jasmine—”
“It won’t,” Alex states firmly.
I rub my fingers over my jaw. “According to Royce, the clock is ticking, and Jasmine may be the prime target.”
NINETEEN
The Threat Is Contained
ZEKE
It’s been hours since Connor and his attorney walked through the station. And since then, the chief of police, Caleb, and the DA have been behind closed doors trying to figure out the best plan of attack. Conner wants a plea bargain. He wants the charges dropped to manslaughter in exchange for naming his partner. Connor says that this person is the one who devised the plan to kill Gregory Madden and Constance Jerrit.
With each passing minute, I’m getting more and more frustrated. What’s worse is that there’s nothing I can do but wait.
“Go home. There’s nothing more you can do here,” Caleb says. “The DA is in with his lawyer, and as soon as it’s done, I’ll call you.” He looks at Damian. “Take him home.”
“The second you hear anything—” I begin.
“You’ll know,” he confirms.
Damian takes me home, but doesn’t stay. He and Chloe are going out for dinner, and I’m looking forward to a quiet night in with Jasmine. Scott takes off as soon as I arrive, leaving us alone. My fingers itch to pick up the phone a dozen times to see what’s happening at the station, but I stop myself each time.
“Do you want to talk about it?” Jasmine asks. She’s been quiet since I got back. “This involves me too,” she reminds me.
“I don’t know where to start.” I throw my head back against the back of the couch, closing my eyes and running a hand over my face.
“Give it a go,” she prompts, sitting next to me and turning toward me.
“Gregory Madden and Constance Jerrit were murdered by Paris Madden’s fiancé. The deaths were made to look like accidents. Connor Royce is under arrest for the murders, and he wants to work a deal with the DA for a plea deal to name his partner. Without saying your name, Connor implied that you’re still in danger.”
Her eyes grow large, and her jaw drops open. She’s stunned, then after a moment finds her voice. “Why would he want them dead? That’s insane.”
“Money.”
“Money?”
“Connor was stealing money from the company, and we found offshore accounts in his name. We found a print to link him to Constance’s murder and enough evidence to send him away for a long time for Madden’s death as well. What’s missing is the reason why you were targeted. Obviously, it has to do with the will and making sure the money goes to Paris, which would, in turn, mean it makes its way back to him.” I pause, caressing her cheek. “To make sure you’re safe, we need the name of his partner and for him to confess.”
