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Another look that left her thoughts on my intelligence or lack thereof clear on her face—though this time, she kept her eyes firm on me when she answered, “He flew here using his real passport.”
“Is that the only reason?”
“Isn’t that enough?”
“It is but there’s another reason.”
Nebraska’s eyes narrowed and she reluctantly shared, “If Maddon was staying at Zuberi’s compound, Zuberi would’ve called. He hasn’t. And I know Maddon. I know he wants me to know he’s here and keeping an eye on me. He thinks he has the upper hand.”
“Doesn’t he?”
Nebraska shrugged her slim shoulders.
“For now he does,” she conceded.
“You don’t seem concerned.”
“I’m not.”
I was mentally debating whether or not I found her nonchalance commendable or foolish when Smith broke in. “It’s not smart to underestimate your opponent.”
“It’s equally unsmart to assume,” she pointed out. “I am well aware of what Maddon is capable of. Likewise I have a healthy dose of respect for his competence, especially when it comes to playing the long game. I’m not concerned because I know who I’m playing the game with. I know him. His mistake was teaching and shaping me into the player I am, then underestimating the skills he gave me. I learned by watching but also I’ve sharpened those talents. Unfortunately for him he wasn’t paying attention until it was too late. I know my father thinks Maddon’s in the dark, but I know he knows I’ve caught on to his game. Insisting I approach Zane was a distraction. I played the hand he forced me to play. Now I’m playing the game he wants me to play. With that he has the upper hand. But while he’s busy running me around, he won’t see the blade at his throat until I deem it’s time to end him.”
The woman was serious. She was going to slice Maddon’s throat.
Again I was working out my thoughts on her planning to murder Maddon when Smith continued, “Why would Zane be a distraction?”
“That’s not my story to tell.”
I glanced at Smith.
Like me, his jaw was clenched. I knew my friend well enough to know we were having similar thoughts. Despite what Charlie had said, it sure sounded like Nebraska knew her mother was alive.
“Whose story is it?” I asked.
“Not mine.”
Dead end unless I wanted to bring up Anna.
“Why did my father visit you?”
“Badger called him—”
“Let me guess,” she interrupted. “Maddon called Badger to tell him I’d turned.”
Well fuck me.
“How’d you know?”
“I told you, I know Maddon. Under different circumstances that would’ve been a smart play. Tell the man who has a bevy of mercenaries at his command that your mediator had turned and could no longer be trusted. Badger would have no choice but to send someone to take me out. Saw that play coming. Badger and Dutch are aware of what’s going on. My father’s already taken precautions should he or I get taken out. Badger has all he needs to continue.”
“He mentioned that. He also handed the intel over to Zane.”
Nebraska visibly stiffened.
“Is there a problem with that?” I pushed.
“Not for me there’s not.”
