Page 95 of One Way Out

“As we’ve already explained,” I say, struggling against the urge to stomp across the room and slam my fist into his facerepeatedly. “Before we went to Europe, we hadn’t seen Saylor in three years. She’s an adult and fully capable of making her own choices.”

“Like that makes it any better. You’ve known her since she was ateenager,” the senator growls back.

“Yeah, remind me again how many years age difference there are between you and that fucking snake you call a wife…” Shaw chuckles darkly. “Because our records seem to indicate the two of you are fourteen years apart. That’s a hell of a lot more of an age difference than we have with Saylor.”

“I’m going to destroy this company. You’ll never work with another high-profile client again once I’m done with you,” the senator growls. “Is this really how you want people to think you do business?”

“Enough,” Easton says, pushing to his feet and jabbing a finger across his desk at the senator. “You’ve had a chance to voice your concerns, and they don’t owe you any further explanations.” His hand curves toward his chest. “What you won’t do is threaten my business or my employees.”

“You’re going to choose to protect them over keeping me as a client?” The senator sounds shocked, but his demeanor gives away how surprised he is as he leans back in his chair. “You know how much business I’ve referred to you over the years.”

“You have,” Easton admits. “But I’m the only one who gets to rake them over the coals on a regular basis. Do you know why I get to talk to them however I damn well please, Logan?”

The senator hits his feet. “I never gave you permission to call me that.”

Easton pulls his hand back, adjusting his shirt sleeve. “I pay well, and my employees know I’ll go to war to protect them. Are you prepared to start a war with me?” Easton chuckles a cold, dead sound. “Remember,Logan, I have a signed contract giving me access to all the audio and video recordings of your home. That’s a lot of years to dig through. I’m sure, if I try hard enough, I can find a secret or two that you don’t want released to the world.”

“You mean, outside of the fact he’s a shit parent?” Shaw scoffs.

Senator Callahan sputters. “You wouldn’t dare. There are non-disclosure agreements in place.”

“You know as well as I do—confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements do not extend to protection against crimes committed.” Easton shrugs, a cutting smile crossing his face. “You’re aware of what kind of business I run.Try me.”

A shiver runs down my spine. I never want to be on the other side of that cold, dead smile.

“You’ve gotten what you felt you needed to say off your chest,” Easton says calmly. “And they’ve listened, but this ends here and now. I protect my peopleno matter what.”

The senator rolls his shoulders back and moves toward the door. “I won’t be continuing my services with your company.”

Easton laughs. “Legal is already in the process of handling the dissolution paperwork. We will, of course, hand over everything to your new company with the utmost professionalism.”

Callahan scoffs and makes a mad grab for the door handle.

“Logan,” Shaw says as the senator walks out the door. “Don’t contact Saylor again. She’s made her feelings clear. If she wants a relationship with you,she’llbe the one to initiate contact.”

“She’s my daughter!” the senator hisses.

“You lost the right to call her that when you chose your wife over her,” I say, tossing up my arm to block Shaw. He’s teetering dangerously close to pouncing.

“Keep her name out of your fucking mouth,” Shaw growls, shoving my arm away. “Don’t use her or your dead wife for sympathy. Not anymore, or we will find you, no matter who you hire to secure your safety.”

The door slams loudly behind Callahan, and I exhale in pure relief. He might be stubborn, but he’s not stupid. Easton was our ace in the hole to guarantee Saylor’s father stays in line.

Our boss turns to face us. “I think that went well.”

I snort, shaking my head.

That man lives in his own universe, but I agree. I don’t see Callahan risking his political standing just for revenge.

* * *

Shaw and I grab food on the way back to the apartment.

Saylor has finally started eating again, and seeing her appetite return was a huge relief after weeks of her barely nibbling. There are certain situations where suppressants make sense, but the doctor we saw here in Vermont explained that they shouldn’t be prescribed for more than twenty-four months in a row without at least a twelve-month off period.

Saylor had no idea, and I didn’t either.

Education around suppressants, heats, and omega care in general is severely lacking. Luckily, she won’t ever have to take them again.

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