Page 41 of Redemption

I cleared my throat and rose from my perch next to Miles.

“It came from me.” I stood proudly with my shoulders back.

Webber turned and looked me up and down, more in a calculating way than a sexual one. I heard the growl that came from Miles. This was the part of the plan he hated. Without looking, my hand unerringly found the back of his head. My fingers softly caressed him in an effort to calm him given the information I was about to disclose. He needed my Dominance to keep him grounded. He felt it was his job to protect me. Webber’s eyes followed my movement, and from the knowing glance he shot me, he understood my relationship with Miles. Or thought he understood.

“No disrespect, ma’am, but you are?” He left the question dangling.

“My name is Josephine Bishop. Charles Santiago is my father. I’ve been collecting bits of information regarding my father’s criminal activities over the past several years, including his connections to the drug underworld and gun smuggling, just to name a few. When I stumbled across a new venture, human flesh peddling, I could no longer keep quiet about what I’d found, and I let it slip that I knew what he was doing. Since then, there have been two attempts made on my life. He’ll continue to send people after me until I’m dead. I’ve never known who to trust with the intel I have, so I’ve continued to collect it in hopes that eventually, I’d figure out who was willing to take him on. Another reason I haven’t come out with the information sooner is because he also has information on me. Information I previously did not want made known.”

“Josie.” Miles’ muscles tensed. He made to stand, but I dropped my hand to his shoulder and squeezed.

“Don’t move again, Miles.”

Another glance at Miles and me, and Webber’s eyes widened a little in shock. Something clicked in his eyes, and I knew that he now fully recognized the dynamic between Miles and me. Slowly, Miles sank the short distance back onto the couch, but didn’t relax his posture. He remained rigid under my hand. I knew he was nervous. So was I. I was about to confess to murder to a police officer. A move that could have dire consequences.

“And why do you now, suddenly, want this information known?”

I laughed without humor. “I don’t. But with two attacks against me, it’s time for this to end. I can’t move forward with my life until my father pays for his crimes. Even if that means exposing mine. Connor trusts you; I hope I can too.”

I snuck a quick peek at Connor, but he remained seated in his chair. A look passed between us. His eyes were full of pride. It was what gave me the strength to tell my story. If Connor trusted this guy, then I would as well. Now, I just prayed it didn’t come back and bite me in the ass.

“You should probably have a seat now.” I waited until Webber finally dropped into the chair before beginning my tale.

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