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"Tyson would never—"

"Tyson would never agree," Eddie finished. "Which is why he wouldn't know until it was over. Until you were safe and Cruz was handled and no more brothers had to die."

I stared at the cuts, mind racing. It sounded so reasonable when he put it like that. A few hours of risk to save lives. To keep more women from becoming widows, more children from growing up fatherless.

"If I said yes—hypothetically—how would it work?"

Eddie moved closer, voice dropping to confidential levels. "Simple. You go shopping tomorrow afternoon. Main Street, lots of civilians, multiple exits. We leak the information to someone we know talks to the Serpents. Cruz shows up thinking you're vulnerable, finds himself surrounded by brothers instead."

"Just like that?"

"Just like that. I've run ops like this before, back in my military days. Controlled environment, overwhelming force, minimal risk." He paused. "The only risk would be if Tyson foundout and tried to stop it. His emotional investment makes him unpredictable."

"So I'd have to lie to him." The words tasted like ash.

"You'd have to save him," Eddie corrected. "From himself, from starting a war he can't win. You've seen him since the attack—he's ready to burn the whole city down. How many die in that scenario?"

Too many. I'd seen the rage in Tyson's eyes, the barely leashed violence. He would tear through anyone and everyone to get to Cruz, consequences be damned. The body count would be catastrophic.

"I don't want to be a hero," I said quietly. "I just want people to stop dying because of me."

"Then help me end this." Eddie's voice was urgent but not pushy, the perfect balance of concern and logic. "Tomorrow morning. Nine am. Public space. Brothers in position before Cruz even knows you're there. He tries to approach, we take him down, it's over."

"And if something goes wrong?"

"Nothing will go wrong. I've got twenty years of experience planning operations. I know every member's strengths, every tactical advantage. And I’ve read the file on Cruz. He’s arrogant, emotional—he'll come running the moment he hears you're exposed."

I swallowed hard.

"How do you know Cruz will even hear about it?"

"Because I'll make sure he does." Eddie's smile turned sharp. "We've got a prospect who's been feeding information to the Serpents—thinks we don't know. Kid's too stupid to be a real threat, but useful for disinformation. He'll overhear about you being out 'unprotected' and run straight to his handlers."

"Unprotected?" My voice rose slightly. "But you said—"

"You'll be surrounded by brothers," Eddie assured quickly. "But Cruz won't know that. He'll think you slipped your security, took advantage of Tyson being in church to get some air. His ego won't let him pass up the opportunity."

It sounded plausible. Cruz's arrogance was his weakness—I'd learned that during our relationship. He'd never pass up a chance to prove his control, especially if he thought I was vulnerable.

"And when he shows up?"

"We take him down. Quick, clean, no civilian casualties. Brothers move in, secure the scene, eliminate the target. You're extracted before anything escalates." Eddie leaned against the wall, everything about him radiating competence. "I've run dozens of ops like this. Urban environment actually makes it easier—more cover, more constraints on enemy movement."

Every answer was reasonable, logical. He'd thought through the angles, addressed the concerns. But something still felt wrong, some instinct screaming that this was a mistake.

"Tyson will never forgive me," I said quietly, the real fear finally voiced.

Eddie's expression softened. "Tyson will be alive to be angry. That's what matters. Would you rather have him hate you and breathing, or love you while you stand over his grave?"

Maybe it was my turn to save him.

"Tomorrow at nine," I heard myself say. "Main Street boutiques."

"Good girl." Eddie's approval felt oily, but I pushed the feeling down. "I’ll pick you up at eight, two blocks south of yours. I’ll be in a sedan. You won’t need to do anything. Just show up and trust the plan."

Footsteps in the hallway made us both freeze. Eddie stepped back casually, creating appropriate distance just as Tysonappeared in the doorway. His eyes narrowed immediately, taking in our positions, the tension in the air.

"Everything okay?" The question was directed at me, but his glare was all for Eddie.