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Morgan’s free hand flies to her mouth. “Jesus Christ.”

“The murders are getting closer to us.” I explained, pacing now, unable to stay still with the anger coursing through me. “The most recent was less than ten blocks from The Castle.”

“This is Teresa sending a message.” Harlen added.

“What message?” Chanel asked, her voice stronger than I expected. “That I’m next?”

I stooped in front of her, taking both her hands in mine. “I won’t let that happen. We’re increasing security. No one is going to get to you or Morgan.”

I stood up and looked at them. “We need to separate you two. It’s safer that way.”

The words landed like physical blows. Chanel and Morgan exchanged a look that spoke volumes.

“That’s not happening,” Morgan said flatly.

“It has to.” I tried to keep my tone gentle but firm. “Teresa and Marisol are working together. We know the Lopez family killed Craig. Your association with Chanel puts you in grave danger. We need to assume they are hunting the both of you. If you’re together, you’re an easier target. If you’re apart, they will have to split their focus and their resources.”

Harlen quickly stood and stepped forward. “He’s right.”

“Where would I go?” Morgan demanded, crossing her arms over her chest.

“With me.” Harlen replied before I could answer. “Somewhere they won’t think to look.”

I nodded, grateful for his quick understanding of the dire situation.

“But where?” Morgan asked.

I had this part already figured out. “I have a two-bedroom condo in northern Michigan that no one knows about. It’s in a large building with a lot of tenants. It’s upscale, secure, with a state-of-the-art security system. You’d be safe there until we eliminate the threat.”

“And what about Chanel?” Morgan’s gaze shifted between me and her friend. “She just stays here as bait?”

“She’ll be surrounded by guards every minute.” I insisted. “And I’ll be with her. With me is the safest place for her.”

Chanel was quiet. Maybe she was in shock. When she finally looked up at me, her expression was a complicated mix of emotions.

“How long is it going to take to kill them?” She asked, and we all paused to let her question sink in.

“It won’t be long. We have leads, and we have a way to take them out from a safe distance.”

Morgan shook her head. “This is crazy. We should both go to this condo. Splitting us up feels wrong.”

“It’s a good strategy.” Harlen explained. “Two separate targets are harder to hit than one. And they won’t expect you to leave the city. They’ll waste time looking for you here while you’re safe up north.”

“I was supposed to be going back to work soon. I can’t extend my leave forever.” Chanel complained. “I was planning to go back next week, but?—”

“That’s not happening.” I said firmly. “You’re not going anywhere in public. I have money. You don’t have to work at any job.”

Chanel shot me a look that informed me I’d said something wrong.

Morgan took Chanel’s hands. She turned to face her directly. “I don’t like this. I don’t like leaving you.”

“I don’t like it either.” Chanel’s voice cracked slightly. “But I guess it makes sense. I can’t let something happen to you after what happened to Craig.”

Their connection was something I once shared with my brother. Their friendship had survived so much already. Asking them to separate now felt cruel, but necessary.

“When should I leave?” Morgan asked, looking at me.

“Tonight.” Harlen answered for me. “Now, if possible. The sooner you’re out of the Chicago area, the better.”