“Marcus used her because she was greedy.”

“If she is facing twenty years in a federal penitentiary for bribery and conspiracy, she will talk,” I said.

“She will tell them everything about Marcus’s associates to save herself.”

Giovanni rubbed his hand over his chin, his dark stubble making a rasping sound in the quiet room.

“It is a risk,” he murmured.

“Marcus has lawyers, and he has judges in his pocket.”

“Then we find a judge he doesn’t own,” I said.

“But we do not spill blood.”

“Not for her, and not in front of our son.”

Giovanni remained silent for a long moment.

I could hear the hum of the computer’s cooling fan.

I could smell the metallic tang of his expensive cologne mixed with the faint scent of rain coming through the floorboards.

Finally, he let out a long, ragged breath.

He put his phone back in his pocket.

“You have always been the stronger one, Lauren,” he said.

“I am not strong,” I said, shaking my head.

“I am terrified.”

“But I will not let Marcus turn us into what he is.”