Page 103 of Ruthless Cross

"Or she didn't want to know," he said, thinking that sounded more likely as he remembered how his mom had told him she'd gotten fortunate in locating a press that could consistently sell her books. It wasn't a ton of money, but it kept her going, and she had helped him pay for his education. After that, he'd been on his own.

"We're not so different, you know," his father continued. "I've followed your career, Flynn. You go undercover, you lie to get what you need, you love the rush of adrenaline that comes from facing down fear."

"But I'm on the right side of the law; you're not."

"I didn't have the same kind of people in my corner that you did. You had Arthur Corbyn to look up to."

"He was just an illusion, too. He was buying stolen art from you before you disappeared and continued afterward. Did he always work through you?"

"No, after I left, he worked through Gretchen."

"So she was dirty this whole time. Stephen, too, I assume."

"They've helped me distribute art throughout the years, yes. It was the least they could do for me. They wouldn’t have that gallery if I hadn't started it."

All the pieces were falling into place, except the most important piece. "Who was the artist of the painting?"

"I need your promise first, Flynn."

"My promise could be a lie."

His dad met his gaze. "I don't believe it will be, if you're willing to make it."

"You're asking me to break the law."

"I'm actually just asking you not to enforce it. There's a difference."

"You're splitting hairs."

"I'm offering you a lead that could stop a serial killer. Isn't that worth one look in the other direction? Don't you offer assets similar deals?"

"You're not an asset."

"You could make me one. What's it going to be, Flynn? And think carefully because there are a lot of lives at stake, including yours. Including Callie's."

"I told you not to talk about her."

"But she's in the middle of this. If you want to protect her, then you need to make me a deal."

He'd always known love could make him vulnerable.

Another shock hit his heart.

He was in love with Callie. And he did want to protect her.

But could he really let his father go free?

* * *

"I have to get out of here, Callie," Juliette said, a plea in her eyes. "Can't you see I'm better now? Can't you tell Dr. Clarke that?"

Callie sighed. Flynn had dropped her off at the hospital on the way to meet his dad, and she had spent the better part of the last hour trying to keep her mother from asking about her release. She'd done her hair and her nails, talked to her nonstop about things from their past that would make her smile, doing everything she could not to discuss Arthur or his death or her discharge date. But now they were where she hadn't wanted to be, and she couldn't avoid the subject any longer.

"Dr. Clarke thinks you should stay here for a couple more days. It's not that long, Mom."

"That's easy for you to say. I'm the one trapped in here."

"I know it's difficult. But it's important that you get well, that you're stronger before you come home and have to deal with everything."

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