Page 68 of Fallout

Simon turned in his chair. “I extracted the file, and I’ve got it on a flash drive that’s a little extra beefed up with security measures than normal.”

Okay, whatever that meant. She said, “I’ll tell him we can still make the exchange. I could play the new-girl card and pretend I’m overwhelmed by being in charge. Like I’m freaking out and reacting on emotion.”

Simon said, “That could work. Make him think you’re desperate to get rid of it before someone is killed.”

She typed something out, and Peter confirmed.

After she hit send, she asked, “Any updates on other things?”

“All quiet at the medical center,” Simon said. “The police at the scene you all just came from haven’t found the shooter. I gave them the license plate, but no sign of his car either. They’ve got a city-wide BOLO out still, and it’ll stay up until he’s caught.” Simon shifted in his seat. “I had to pass information about the house to the feds since they’re investigating the financial side of Rammington-Harper.”

“No worries.”

Peter said, “They might want to take the multiple murders anyway.”

“The…what?”

“Blake said they were in the basement. Including April.”

Destiny didn’t want anything to do with that, but it might be a reality of her new job. She knew what real fear felt like.

Peter pulled over a chair and sat. “There’s no way we’re going to let you get anywhere near that.” Simon turned his chair beside his brother. The resemblance was strong between them, though she usually only saw the differences.

Peter said, “You’re going to stay safe, and we’re going to take care of things. That’s what Vanguard does. We look after each other.”

Destiny blew out a breath. Her phone chimed. “Thank you.” She read the text. “He wants to meet in the park on Merton at midnight. But he wants assurances I’ll come alone.”

“You wouldn’t be alone even if it was just you.” Peter lifted his chin, motioning to her in a way. “So, tell him you’re the boss. You have people to make your exchanges for you.”

She sent that as a reply, then read the response when it came in. “He wants assurances this isn’t a scam.”

“He wants the flash drive, but he has no leverage,” Peter said. “Means he has no choice but to show up.”

Simon said, “Tell him that if he double-crosses you or harms anyone, we will remotely erase the flash drive. He’ll get nothing.”

She typed out the text with a few modifications. She wanted to know what was on the drive. When the reply came in, she said, “Whoever goes can ask him what is on it. He’ll comply.”

“Good,” Peter said. “And midnight gives some time for your boys to sober up.”

Simon snorted.

Peter stood. “I’ll go get the van ready.”

“I’ll come, too.” Before he left, Simon said, “You’re good?”

Destiny wasn’t going to let on how their concern made her feel. “Thanks to you guys.”

Simon gave her an odd look and followed his brother. Maybe they knew. Destiny decided to not care and went to find her “boys.”

Things had gone okay today. So far, so good.

But how long would that last?

THIRTY

Jasper stretched his legs as much as he could in the Vanguard surveillance van and checked his watch. “Nearly go time.”

Destiny sat by Simon. Jasper wasn’t usually this antsy, but that gas had done a number on him. Thankfully, Violet hadn’t insisted they go to the hospital and get checked out. He and Blake, not to mention everyone else, had spent enough time there lately.

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