Page 181 of Fractured Allegiance

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Dom leans against the wall behind me. I can feel his eyes on the back of my neck.

Drazen doesn't waste time.

"I have a situation," he says. "Remember I told you someone's been feeding information to outside parties.Surveillance on our docks. Intel on our shipments. Timing that's too precise to be coincidence."

I keep my face neutral. "Yes, you did. You think it's internal."

"I know it's internal." He leans forward slightly. "And I think I know who."

I wait.

"Lydia Carr."

My pulse kicks, but I don't let it show.

I don't blink. Don't react.

Just nod once, like this is useful information.

Drazen watches me. Studying and measuring.

"She's smart. Capable. I think she understands the value of discretion." I pause. "But if she thought you were a threat to her position, she might hedge her bets."

Drazen's mouth twitches. Not quite a smile. "Diplomatic answer."

"It's an honest one."

"Good." He stands. Walks to the window. "I'm moving her off-grid for a few days. Somewhere I can control the variables. See how she reacts when she's isolated."

"Makes sense."

He turns back to face me. "I want you to stand guard."

I go still.

This is wrong.

If Drazen really suspected Lydia, he'd put someone he trusts on her. Someone who's been with him for years. Not me. Not the guy who's been in his organization less than a year.

Unless—

Unless this isn't about Lydia at all.

It's about me.

I keep my expression blank. "You want me to guard her?"

"Yes."

"Why me?"

Drazen's eyes narrow slightly. "Because you're new enough not to have loyalty to her. Experienced enough to know what happens if you fuck up." He walks back to his desk. Sits. "And because I want to see how you handle it."

There it is.

The truth under the lie.

He doesn't trust Lydia.

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