Page 162 of Possession

“What does Rocco know?” Brax asks.

“Nothing,” Micah says. “Other than the fact he’s in deep shit. He’s trying not to act like he’s freaking the fuck out, but he is. I’m sure that’s nothing compared to how he’ll respond when he sees you.”

“What about Spencer?” Brax bites and looks around the room. “He did everything he could to keep them from coming to the house. I told you this week I wanted a deal drawn up for him too.”

Carson and Tim glance at one another, but it’s Carson who says, “He’s not a citizen and is here illegally. They’re taking him into custody, because he was there. You need to be prepared for what could happen. I doubt he’ll be charged, but it is likely he’ll be deported. The Marinos didn’t hire anyone with a visa or any U.S. citizens. It was their way to keep them loyal. They were threatened that they’d be turned over. They knew it was their ticket to staying quietly in the country. It was both their protection and their penitentiary.”

I look up at the man who saved me from a life of abuse and misery. Everything about him bleeds good and just. And right now, his expression says it all. He’s ready to dig his heels in and fight.

He turns to Carson and raises his voice. “I don’t give a shit if you have to charm your way into the West Wing. Give Spencer a chance to turn and make it worth his while. We’re standing here because of him instead of in the trunk of a car headed to be tortured just like my brother. I’ll sign Spencer up as an informant, or you make him an asset. Backdate the damn papers, dammit. But make it happen.”

“For June and Miranda too,” I add, even though I’m in no position to be making demands or pleas for anything.

“Miranda is a victim,” Brax adds. “I can attest to that, so she’d better be treated like one. And June has as much shit on Damian as Spencer. If you give her an offer in exchange for her testimony, I bet she’ll take it. Miranda will follow whatever June does.”

Carson answers immediately. “This isn’t my decision, Cruz. You think I want them sent back? I’ve been listening to them the whole time you’ve been under. I’m going to do what I can, but I can’t make any promises.”

“I’ve given two years of my life to this. Uncle Sam can’t pick and choose when to believe me. I’ve gotten this far, and I’ll vouch for all three of them. Now I’ve got to go in that room and convince Rocco Monroe I’m not the bad guy for lying to him.”

“It’s not like he’s got options,” Micah points out. “The Jackals will be no more after today.”

“We can only hope,” Tim says.

I turn to Brax. “Can I talk to him?”

Micah butts in. “No way.”

Brax wraps an arm around my shoulders and pulls me to his side. “Maybe.”

“Are you kidding me?” Micah bites. “She has no business inside an interrogation room unless she’s the one being grilled. And that’s not out of the question given who her father is.”

Brax spears Micah with a glare. “No one is interrogating her but me.”

“That’s my boy,” Carson quips.

Brax puts a hand to my chin and forces my face to his. “Let me talk to him. It’s important that I’m the first face he sees since I was the one who forced him to live with us. I need to convince him to take the deal. He’ll be angry. I don’t want him taking that out on you.”

“I don’t feel good about this. I don’t think he’ll take the deal,” I say. “He’s never trusted anyone. No one has ever earned that from him. He’s got to be scared, and when he sees you, he’ll be so angry.”

Just like always, Brax is resolute. “I can take it. This is nothing compared to bullshitting my way through a cartel for two years.”

“Come with me,” Micah says. “You can be a fly on the wall and watch.”

I purse my lips, not wanting to go anywhere with Micah after our moment in the bathroom.

Brax is about to say something, but his friend puts a hand up to stop him. “I get it. You’re in love with the mobster’s daughter, and she’s nothing like her father. I don’t need to save you from yourself, and I’m back to being the guy who has your back no matter what.”

Brax narrows his eyes. “You’d better be.”

Carson looks from his cell to the group. “As much as I love a good bromance, we need to find out what we can from Monroe. The load should surface from the tunnel soon. Our teams are ready.”

I turn back to Brax. “You have to convince him. I don’t think he knows anymore about the club than what he’s already told us. He has to come around. There’s no other option.”

“Ultimatums while you’re still in the honeymoon phase,” Carson says. “I like a strong woman. Nicely done, Landyn.”

I turn to Micah. “Let’s go. I want to watch.”

We all head out the door, but not before Brax turns to Micah and warns, “Do not let her barge into the room.”

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