Page 116 of Dash

“Stop fighting.” The harsh feel of Uncle Shit’s gun against my skin chilled me to the bone, and still, I kept my fisted hands crossed over my chest. “You’re in a delicate position. You see that lovely cameo you’re wearing?”

I caressed my mother’s profile with shaking fingers. “What about it?”

He flashed a bloodcurdling smile. “It will kill you onmycommand.”

***

Dash

“Get comfortable, Rivera.” Given that Bozeman’s weapon was out and tracking, I holstered mine. “It’s gonna be a while.”

Rivera shifted his weight at the edge of the couch. “What’s this about?”

“You know the answer to that.” I braced my feet apart. “We found incriminating evidence in your safe.”

“Inmysafe?” He played the part of the innocent toperfection. “What evidence?”

“Vials,” I said.

“Vials?” The shock on his face would’ve been hard to feign, and yet here he was, faking it like the pro he was. “You searched my place? Without my permission?”

“Yeah.” I narrowed my eyes on him. “Don’t play dumb with me.”

“I’m not playing dumb.” He shifted his stare to Bozeman, who cased him with his gun. “Micah, you know me. What’s happening here?”

“The boss is asking the questions.” Bozeman’s face paid tribute to his call sign. “Youwillanswer them.”

Rivera’s chest deflated. He returned his gaze to me. “Just… tell me, please.”

“We’ve got the vials.” I paced before the hearth. “Their contents will be proof.”

“Proof of what?” Rivera looked both pale and confused.

“Proof that you poisoned Thena and killed Richard Astor.”

“What the fuck?” His eyes went big and his mustache drooped over his curved mouth. “Ms. Astor was poisoned? Mr. Astor was killed?”

“Come on, you knew this,” I said, impatiently. “It’s why we’re here.”

“But…” He looked even more confused if that was possible. “I’m the head of The Astor Group’s security. I don’t know shit about this. You didn’t say anything to me. Oh, I see…” He eyed me closely, as if suddenly his brain had woken up from a nap. “Why would you say something to me? You needed to flush out the perp and I was your main suspect from day one.”

Rivera had always been good at what he did.

“It wasn’t me.” He shook his head. “Those vials, who found them?”

“Elite Team,” I offered. “Those guys don’t make mistakes.”

“They don’t.” Rivera grimaced. “The vials are a plant. Someone’s fucking with you.”

“Maybe they are.” I dipped my chin. “Maybe they aren’t. Answers, coming up, soon.”

“You think I’m guilty.” He gave a despondent sigh. “I fit the bill. I had opportunity. I was always around. I had access. But Dash, I didn’t do it. I swear. I care for the Astors.”

“Facts,” I reminded him. “Evidence. That’s what I need. If the vials don’t belong to you, why were they in your safe?”

“I don’t know.” The man huffed “Why would I want my boss and his daughter dead?”

“Money’s always in the mix, but feel free to tell me why you did it.” I was very interested in his response. “Who’s Coco Martinez?”

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