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“If I had my way, you wouldn’t pay a cent,” Christian grumbled.

“Trust me, if I could think of a way to get out of this mess without ruining everything, I’d take it in a heartbeat. But considering he doesn’t seem willing to negotiate outside his demands, talking to him isn’t an option.”

Christian cocked his head thoughtfully. “True. I imagine you’re the last person he’s going to want to deal with.”

“Hell, he’s so paranoid about what I could do. He thinks I could...summon someone to access his information, get into his online storage, and take the file down.”

Christian frowned. “It is possible.”

“You know how?”

“Uh, no, not personally. I’m good with computers, but not that good. I have...uh, friends.”

“Friends who can hack into people’s computers.”

“Look, some people in the foster system don’t come out law-abiding people like me. I’m not saying they’ve told me what they do, but I can guess.”

“And since you don’t have any proof?—”

“Then, I don’t know anything, right.”

“That’s fair.”

Christian pulled his phone out, looking at the screen. “If he doesn’t have it stored digitally, he just...has it on a computer?”

“Yes. He said he’d put it on a thumb drive.”

“And how do you know he won’t keep a copy to come around again?”

David sighed, heart sinking. “I don’t.”

Christian frowned thoughtfully, opening something on his phone and flipping around momentarily. David watched, wondering what the younger man could be doing as Christian started typing. The phone buzzed a moment later, bringing a smirk to Christian’s face.

David eyed him warily. “What?”

“I have an idea, that’s what.”

David would usually be pleased to hear Christian had an idea. However, considering the circumstances, he could feel himself growing cautious. Christian was a good man and far more mature at twenty-five than David remembered being. That did not, however, prevent Christian from being a little impulsive.

“And does this idea involve something foolish that could worsen this situation?” David asked.

Christian looked up, thoughtful. “Well...no, I don’t think it would make it worse. I’m pretty sure it’s completely safe for you.”

“Okay, and are you planning on sharing your idea?”

“Mm, no.”

“No?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

Christian laughed, standing up. “Because if I told you, my plan probably wouldn’t work. So here’s the thing, I’m goingto take the rest of the night off and tomorrow. When are you supposed to contact him?”

“He’s going to call me Monday afternoon.”

“Good, that works perfectly. Don’t bother responding to anything he sends, and I’ll see you Monday morning,” Christian said, making for the door.