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Fred returned to his seat and glared at the three lieutenants. “Why would someone want me to think the three of you were behind this?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Rowan snorted. “If you’re lookin’ at us, you’re not payin’ attention to who you should be.”
To Fred’s credit he didn’t turn toward Aiden, but he was the one who’d given Fred all this information and as I met Aiden’s eyes, I could see the countdown. He was a ticking timebomb, and we were running out of time. Fred was going to have to do the unthinkable, and I could tell from Aiden’s expression he wasn’t going to make it easy.
“I need to speak with each of you alone,” Fred said.
“Sir,” Aiden interrupted.
Fred whipped his head in Aiden’s direction, I couldn’t see his eyes but I imagined they were filled with hellfire.
“I. Said. Alone.”
Aiden stepped back, to his credit he composed himself. “Yes, sir.”
“Finn first, the rest of you can leave.”
“I’ll be right outside the door.” I spoke for the first time.
Fred nodded but was facing Finn. The two men were in some kind of staring contest.
Once we all filed out, Rowan announced he’d be in the front checking on the shop, Oscar said he’d be down the hall making a call. Zion moved to the end of the hallway, and I stayed at the door. Aiden…he was pacing. Every part of him screamed nervous energy.
“He’ll be fine in there.” I knew he wasn’t worried about Fred’s safety, but playing it off as if that were the problem prevented Aiden from lashing out.
“I don’t trust them, they’re lying.”
I pursed my lips and regarded the man. “You gave Fred the proof, told him what you heard, and you’ll stand by it?”
“Absolutely.”
“Does seem like the three of them are sticking close on this one.”
Aiden tilted his head. “You believe me?”
No. “Yeah.”
“Why?”
I shrugged. “In that room, those guys tore your entire argument to shreds, and you never bolted or interrupted. Only someone with the truth on his side would face it head on.”
While that was true, I didn’t think Aiden had a plan at this point. His world was falling apart. I’d make amends and make him think I was in his corner. An unlikely ally.
He snorted. “I never thought, out of everyone it would be you believing me.”
“I never hated you, Aiden. We just clashed in personality. But I’ll stand by the truth.” I stepped closer to him. “You and I both want to keep Fred alive, right?”
“Exactly.”
“Then maybe we do our jobs.” I held out a hand in a false truce.
“Okay, I’ll relax.” He shook my hand squeezing a little harder than necessary.
“For Fred.” I smiled.
“For Fred…” He did not.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
