Page 75 of Hidden Ascent

Isla took another step forward while the men were distracted, but Jay noticed. “I said don’t move. And yes, Simmo, I did kill his nephew. Have you ever met Spider?”

“I only know him by reputation.”

“If you knew him, you’d understand. I did the world a favor.”

“Who’s Shoemaker?” Isla said, unwilling to believe this was real. He couldn’t have played her so completely.

“Isla, I understand you’re confused. But you’re the captive. You don’t get to talk or move.” Jay looked at Simmo. “There’s always two sides to a story. That’s why I’m here. I have a lot of respect for your boss, and I believe he’ll listen.”

“Oh yeah? And what’s her side of the story?” Simmo asked, nodding at Isla.

“Her name’s Isla Taylor. You can check it out if you want. She got into some trouble and came to me for help.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Apparently, the Red Wolves and some government officials are working together.”

“What do you know about that?”

“Me? Nothing except that you guys set up an ambush and killed her team. But you screwed it up because Isla got away.”

Simmo’s eyes widened in rage as he looked at Isla. “You were the one? You killed Mansfield and Willis?” He charged her.

Isla planted her feet, ready to disarm him when he got close enough. She could use him as a human shield from Jay. Unless Jay really was pretending.

“Wait.” Jay shoved Simmo to the side, out of Isla’s reach.

Simmo scrambled backward, pointing his gun at Jay. “What’re you doing?”

“Saving your life.” Jay kept his eyes and his gun on Isla. “She killed your pals. You don’t think she’s good enough to take you on?”

“She’s gonna pay for that.”

“They killed my whole team!” Isla yelled. “They deserved what I did to them.”

“Ignore her, Simmo, or you’ll screw this up. She’ll pay. Don’t worry. You think Sharpe won’t let you have a piece of her later? But you have to let me bring her in.”

“Why?”

“I thought if I brought her in to Sharpe, I would receive his good will and have the opportunity to get back in the game despite Shoemakers’ current aversion to me. I thought maybe Sharpe could smooth things over for me. It wouldn’t be that hard. Shoemaker must be secretly relieved to get rid of his nephew who’s been nothing but trouble.”

“That’s a big ask from Sharpe.”

“That’s why I brought him a big gift.”

Isla watched each man, waiting for any chance of escape. But the only window in the room was barred, and she was the one who was farthest from the door.

God, I think you helped me before. I don’t know if I can ask you again, but if you could do something here, I’d appreciate it.

She swallowed hard against the fear that was rising. Jay’s response to Simmo proved her fear that Jay was definitely not on her side anymore. Peter had been wrong about him.

Maybe Jay hadn’t been a part of the conspiracy in the beginning, but he was now. What she had thought was God saving her at the police station was nothing more than an elaborate setup by Jay to get what he wanted. He didn’t save her from Baker to protect her. He saved her so he could bring her in himself.

“Sharpe’s not an easy man to convince. He knows what he wants, and he’s not into giving favors. But a DEA agent? I’d expect him to be impressed.”

“That’s what I’m banking on.”

Simmo snickered. “I guess it’s worth a shot. But I want you to do something for me.”

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