Page 81 of Brick's Retribution

"Think they'll dig this deep?"

"They'd be stupid not to," I reply. "But everything will check out. Money talks, and ours screams we’re legit."

My phone buzzes—Marcus calling back already.

"That was fast," Brick observes.

"Told you he was greedy." I answer on speaker again. "Marcus. Good news, I hope?"

"Indeed," he sounds pleased with himself. "I've spoken with the relevant parties. There's an auction scheduled for next week. Very exclusive, very... specialized merchandise."

My stomach turns at the casual way he discusses human trafficking, but I keep my voice level. "Excellent. What do we need to do?"

"There's a vetting process," he explains. "Financial verification, background checks, the usual. I've vouched foryou personally, which carries weight. You'll receive encrypted coordinates seventy-two hours before the event."

"Security?"

"Extensive. They take privacy very seriously, as I'm sure you understand. You can bring one bodyguard, but weapons will be checked at the door."

I meet Brick's eyes, seeing my own concerns reflected there.

Walking in unarmed is dangerous, but refusing would look suspicious.

"Understood," I say. "Send me the account information for the buy-in."

"Already done," Marcus confirms. "Check your encrypted email. And Imani? Do give your father my best. Tell him I look forward to facilitating many profitable ventures."

After he hangs up, silence fills the room.

"One week," Brick says quietly.

"One week," I confirm.

The plan is in motion now, no turning back.

In seven days, we'll walk into the heart of a human trafficking ring, hoping to find Lashes, hoping to survive long enough to shut them down.

"We should tell Amara," Brick says. "Start working on extraction plans."

"In a minute," I say, turning to face him fully. "Just... give me a minute."

He understands immediately, pulling me into his arms.

I breathe in his scent and let myself be weak for just a moment.

"Scared?" he asks against my hair.

"Terrified," I admit. "But not of them. Of losing you. Of failing to find Lashes. Of letting everyone down."

"Hey." He pulls back to look at me. "You're not in this alone. We're partners, remember? Your fights are my fights now."

"When did you get so wise?" I ask, managing a small smile.

"Must be your influence," he replies, then grows serious. "We're going to get through this, Imani. Find Lashes, stop these bastards, keep you safe. All of it."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

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