Page 53 of Nitro

“True. How do I get it to him?”

“Matrix will set up the meeting.”

“Why isn’t he going instead of me?”

“We don’t want Matrix connected to the tape. Blackstone knows he’s good with computers. If he knows Matrix was the leak, he’ll come after us. Hard.” Scar steeples his fingers over the table.

“Reynolds will want to know how I got the tape.”

“We have a whole backstory set up for you and Holly,” Matrix says.

“Holly? No. I don’t want her tangled up in club business.”

“Normally, I’d agree with you,” Scar says. “But we think she’ll be a good asset in this case. Reynolds is more likely to listen to a husband and wife who happened to get the tape from someone they know. Someone who works for Blackstone.”

“That’s a pretty weak story,” I say.

“Once he sees the tape, it won’t matter. We just need him to watch it. If Reynolds agrees to run it, this will be huge breaking news. The boost to his career will be immeasurable.”

“He’s already the most trusted newscaster in the country. He’s flying in from New York to meet with us.”

“Which is why this has to work,” Scar says. “We can’t trust anyone else with the tape.”

“You made a backup, right?” I know it’s a stupid question, but I’m trying to buy time so I can come up with a way to keep Holly out of this.

“Does he think I’m an idiot?” Matrix asks the guys. They shake their heads no.

“I’ll go alone.” I push my chair back and stand.

“You’re taking Holly,” Scar says.

“I get that you think our cover will be better and more believable, but this could be dangerous.”

“Why?” Reaper asks.

“No one knows we have the recording,” Matrix says.

“Are you trying to test me or something?” I demand, placing my palms on the table and leaning over to glare at everyone.

“If you really don’t want to take her, that’s on you,” Scar says.

“Fuck!” I run my hand through my hair.

“You could take Crystal or Daisy instead,” Talon suggests.

“Not Daisy,” Matrix snaps.

“Why not?” Reaper asks.

Everyone starts talking at once until Scar bangs the gavel. We go silent so he can speak. “This is the biggest break we’ve had in years. If we do this right, Blackstone’s done with politics. He’s not going to survive that tape. It will kill his career. I don’t want to take any chances, but if you really don’t want Holly with you, then you’re taking one of the club girls. They’re not stupid. They can handle the task.”

“I don’t want Crystal anywhere near me.”

“Then take Daisy. Matrix, unless you’re claiming her, keep your fucking mouth shut.” Scar’s face is turning pink. He’s pissed, and that’s on me. I should have just agreed to take Holly. I could have dropped her off somewhere safe until I was done talking to Reynolds.

“Pres, I’ll do it. I’ll bring Holly.”

“Good.” Scar’s scowl is angry enough that I sit my ass down.