Page 25

In this case, I see the trap. If I were to come out and say that I didn’t set up the bomb because I was an Interpol agent who is in charge of protective custody for a sensitive witness, it would mean several things.
First, Interpol would have to admit that they’re still chasing the De Luca family, tipping off anyone who is connected with the De Lucas. While they may not be a large family, their connection to the Rossi family, and now my own, is something noteworthy.
To a lot of people.
Interpol isn’t loyal to me, or any of the agents that it has. If we pose a risk, we’re going to get cut to maintain the safety and security of the organization.
Point.
Blank.
There’s no way around it, and we’re all trained on the protocols when we sign up. I know it’s not a mystery to me.
I just never thought I would have to deal with…
this .
Whoever is framing me knows. They know that if I sit and do nothing, it will look like I planted the bomb in Amsterdam that nearly killed Sal and Gia De Luca, and did kill two high-ranking Russian officials. Because the Russians were there, they’ll link it to the bombing in Belarus, when Kierankidnapped Anastasia Novikov and she appeared a week later, unharmed, at the Cannes film festival.
I saw the ghosts of bruises on her perfect-looking skin.
But I also knew where to look.
The idea that Anastasia Novikov could be my sister in law….
“Ro?”
I jump.
Seamus is studying me, and I give him a weak smile. “Sorry. Head in the clouds, I guess.”
He rolls his eyes, and Marco gives me a strange look.
You’ve never once had your head in the clouds, his eyes seem to say.
Oddly, I find that to be a compliment that makes me… kind of proud.
“Well. Let’s get it out of the clouds and back in the room, hmm?”
I nod. “Okay. Thirty days to find out who is trying to frame me.”
“Aye,” Seamus nods. “I can’t buy you more than thirty days, Ro.”
I nod. “Okay. Liam told me that he’s getting married to her soon, so I think that we can make that work.”
“And what, exactly, is your plan?”
I turn.
There’s only one way to playthis.
“Looks like you and I are wedding dates, Marco.”
He takes one look at me. His eyes flash, a chilling look that sends a shiver down my spine.
Then Marco turns to Seamus and holds up his handcuffed wrists.
“Lock me the fuck up.”