Page 60 of Pervade London
With a final glance back, Stewart stepped through the door and closed it behind her. We were left alone with nothing but tension between us.
James pulled the chair back from the table and motioned for me to sit down.
“I’m fine.” I wasn’t, of course. My emotions were about to spiral out of control.
He gripped the chair. “I won’t ask you again.”
I hesitated for a moment, then walked over and sat down.
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a smartphone and tapped the screen. “Now there’s no way for them to hear us.”
My gaze flittered to the two-way mirror.
“They can’t watch us,” he said. “That would be an offence. She’d go from D.I. to beating the pavement as a constable if she listens in.”
Panicking, I sprang from my seat toward the door.
He cut me off.
I retreated three steps, but he kept moving until his body pressed me against the wall.
James rested his hand on my chest to keep me in place. “They can’t see or hear us, Emily.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“This is where you listen.”
“Where’s Xander?” I gripped his wrist. “Tell me you didn’t hurt him.”
“Calm down.”
My hand slid to my side. “Tell me.”
“Xander’s fine.”
“Where is he?”
“We’re not talking about that right now—”
“Xander’s using a false name, but he’s real.” I tried to comprehend what kind of technology could erase a life. “How did you remove him from the footage?”
“It’s called ‘deepfake.’ It’s the kind of tech that can save or decimate a life.”
I smirked. “They’re listening to us right now.”
“I scanned for body heat behind the glass,” he said, glancing at the mirror. “And checked for listening or recording devices.”
A tremor ran through my body. “I…hate you.”
“You didn’t yesterday, though. When you came twice against my mouth?” He gripped my chin. “Right, Emily?”
“That was different.”
“You were compliant. I need to see the same obedience now.”
“What do you want?”
“You and I will leave together. You will not speak to anyone. You won’t make eye contact—”
