Page 49 of Cooper's Command

Simmons answered on the fifth ring. “Who the hell is this?”

Nova grinned. The asshole was already off-kilter, just like she’d hoped. “Hello, Simmons.”

The man grunted, heavy footsteps sounding in the distance for a few moments before he grunted into the phone. “Martin. I didn’t realize you were still breathing.”

“I’ll admit. You’ve given it your best shot to see that I’m not, but your men keep missing the mark.”

He laughed. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Denial. That’s good because you never know who’s listening. Which brings me to the point of my call. We need to meet.”

“Are you turning yourself in? Because that’s one meeting I’d attend.”

“Actually, I was thinking more along the lines of a trade.”

Silence. She’d obviously piqued his interest.

He breathed into the mic, waiting a full minute before snorting. “I’m listening.”

“You know what I have, and all I can say is… Damn. Paulin was a paranoid son of a bitch. He recorded everything.”

“What do you want in exchange, Martin?”

“My freedom.”

He scoffed. “That’s out of my hands.”

“You’d better hope it isn’t. Now, are you interested? Or do I call someone else who will be?”

“Fine. The DEA office?—”

“Not a chance. The old Wilson factory. If you leave now, you should be here in fifteen — faster if you use your lights. I’d say come alone, but we both know you won’t. Just don’t bring anyone you care about because I’ve got nothing to lose. And I won’t go quietly if you cross me.”

She hung up before he could answer, frowning at the way Cooper was shaking his head. “What?”

“Now I know why you’re so good at your job. You’re scary.”

“Let’s just hope it works on Simmons because he’s not the kind of asshole I generally deal with. And there’s the part where I was bluffing. Waylen and Bellamy haven’t decoded enough of the ledger to prove Simmons’ name is in there. We’re essentially guessing on the bits of intel we do know.”

“There’s something in there he doesn’t want to get out. You good?”

“My part’s easy. Keep him busy while you and your team do all the heavy lifting. Which I hate, by the way.”

“You’re the one who’s banking on the fact he won’t come in guns blazing, again. Which is entirely possible, especially if he brings an army of mercenaries with him.”

“I’ll be fine. You just keep your damn head down. Because I swear to god, if you die on me…”

She’d be lost. The kind of fatal blow she’d never recover from. Losing Tate had gutted her. Losing Cooper…

It would shatter her soul.

Cooper’s radio chirped.

“Coop? Emery just called. She said Simmons drove out of the station with lights and sirens. He’ll be here in five.”

“Copy, Bellamy. I’ll be right there with Whiskey.”

Cooper pursed his lips, looking as if he wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how to voice it.

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