Page 48 of Shadow

“No federal protection either,” Asher said.

She frowned at him, turned back to Patterson. “I’m the protection.” Daphne’s voice stayed level. “That’s why you brought me in.”

Asher’s mouth quirked slightly. Almost a smile.

Daphne held Patterson’s gaze. “Roger and Destiny need protection starting in five hours, and this is the best option we have.”

Patterson looked at Asher. “Can you pull this off?”

“Playing married?” Asher’s gaze didn’t move off hers. “I think I can tough it out.”

She raised an eyebrow.

Dani raised her hand slightly. “Question. How are you getting Destiny? She’s in protective custody at an undisclosed location.”

“Patterson will coordinate her release and transport to the meeting point. We’ll pick her up there. Bring her directly to Aspen Ridge. Roger gets released at two. We bring him straight from the prison hospital to the community. They reunite at the house.”

“And if syndicate surveillance spots the extraction?”

“They’ll see a married couple picking up an elderly mother and father. Nothing suspicious.”

“Unless they recognize Roger.”

“Roger will be in the back seat. Hat. Sunglasses. A post-surgery patient being careful about sun exposure. Believable.”

Dani made notes. “What about supplies? They’ll need clothes, medications, personal items.”

“Food,” Asher added.

“I’ve arranged for a delivery to the house before we get there. It’s part of the move-in package at the community.”

“Communications?”

“Burner phones. Check-ins through secure channels only.”

“Medical needs?”

“Roger’s actual health is fine. Cover story says recent surgery. If he needs real medical attention, I’ll coordinate privately.”

Dani looked up. “You’ve thought this through.”

“It’s what I do.”

“And if Draven Frost figures out the location?”

The question hung in the air.

Daphne felt Asher’s eyes on her. Reading. Assessing. Waiting for her answer.

Did she trust him?

No.

Did she have a choice?

Also no.

Daphne’s chest tightened. “Then we have bigger problems than safe-house logistics.”