Page 130 of Shadow

“Agent Morrison is the mole. And I didn’t see it.”

“What happened?”

She drew in a breath. Turned to look out the window, at the mountains, at Asher’s beautiful ranch.

It occurred to her that she didn’t know him at all, really. “He’s been undercover this entire time⁠—”

“We knew that⁠—”

“No. Not just running informants. Undercover. Part of the syndicate operation. Giving them tips. He told them the date of Martha’s trial. The transfer details came from the mole.”

Silence. Then, “Explain.”

So Daphne did. Told Caroline everything. About Asher’s undercover operation. About Patterson knowing and not telling her. About the safe-house breaches and the staged death and Roger potentially trying to contact Draven, except not Roger but Asher.

She kept it professional. Just reported the facts.

But Caroline heard it anyway. Heard the pain underneath.

“I’m pulling you out,” Caroline said. Voice firm. “This operation was compromised from the start. Patterson should have disclosed the undercover status. This is unacceptable.”

Daphne sank onto the edge of the tub. “I’m not leaving the witnesses. Not until they’re safe.”

“When’s the trial?”

“Four days. In four days, I need you solid.”

“Right. Okay. I’ll send Dani Kim and a team for backup. Give me a couple hours. Can you hold position until then?”

“Yes.”

“And Morrison?”

Daphne’s jaw clenched. “What about him?”

“Can you work with him?”

“I’m not letting him out of my sight until this is over. Not for one second. He’s compromised. He’s potentially a security risk. And I don’t trust him. But…” She sighed. “He did risk his life, more than once, to protect…Destiny and Roger.” And her, but she wouldn’t say it. “So, yes, I think he’ll stay the course.”

Oh no, she might be at it again. Wanting to trust him more than she should.

“Okay,” Caroline said. And then her voice softened, just slightly. “Help is on the way. I’m sorry. You shouldn’t have been put in this position. Patterson will be dealt with. Morrison will be dealt with. And you—you did the right thing calling me.”

“Thank you.”

Daphne hung up. Stared at the phone.

Two hours. She could survive two hours.

And in four days, this would be over. Roger and Destiny would testify. The case would close. She’d go back to her life.

And Asher Morrison would become just another person who’d proven trust was a luxury she couldn’t afford.

Daphne wiped her eyes. Straightened her shoulders. Pulled herself together.

Then she took out her weapon, checked the magazine. Listened to the metallic click-click-click as she pressed each round down with her thumb. Chambered a round.

She opened the door. Went downstairs.