Page 82 of Beyond Question

“That's what we think, yes.”

“We?” Paige asks.

“Cabot has a whole team,” I explain. “So Archer found Paige and got someone to bring her a burner phone.” I pause, narrowing my gaze. “Is this just about the money?”

Paige tenses, but doesn’t say anything.

Cabot shrugs. “It seems that way. I can’t imagine what else he would gain from reaching out, especially after thirty years.”

I breathe deeply, then tighten my arm around Paige. “Does he know about Bron?”

She shakes her head, then shrugs. “I… I don’t know. I was only seven weeks along when I escaped.”

Fuck.That word.Escape.It makes my muscles tense all over again.

I can’t imagine what Paige’s life was like back then, all of twenty years old, pregnant and alone, and running for her life. I wish I could have known her then, could have found her when she got to New York, and held her, and loved her, and protected her from it all.

Actually, I was only thirteen at the time, but still. The ache of regret is there in my chest, realistic or not. But I can help her now. I can protect hernow.

If I could get my hands on the bastard who did this to her. Or her father. The man who should have loved her beyond measure, should have been her first line of defense against the world.

The man who fuckingsoldher—

“Travis.”

My gaze flicks up to Cabot.

“Those thoughts aren’t helpful. He’s an ocean away and currently behind bars.”

I force myself to take a deep breath, then nod. Archer iscurrentlybehind bars, but that doesn’t mean he’s untouchable. He’s not the only one with people. And he’s definitely not the only powerful man with reach.

“Oh, Jesus,” I say, shaking my head as that thought makes the puzzle pieces click into place. “No wonder you hate us.”

Paige swivels her head to look at me, brows furrowed.

I lean forward and set my mug down on the coffee table, then motion toward Cabot. “Men with money and power. All you knew were men with money and power and look what they did to you.”

She frowns, then her eyes drop to her lap and I clasp her chin, lifting her head up so she’ll meet my gaze again.

“I understand, Paige. You don’t have to feel bad. I understand why you run.” My eyes flick back and forth between hers. “I’ll prove to you I’m not like those men.”

“You already have.”

“I’ll never stop.” I bring my lips to hers in a firm, promising kiss.

Cabot clears his throat and I pull back, turning toward him. “I think we should send him the money.”

“Absolutely not. We don’t negotiate.”

“It’s not a negotiation. It’s a pay off.” Until Archer gets released and I can bury him six-feet under where he belongs, this seems like the best move going forward.

Paige shakes her head and I look at her, raising my eyebrows. “No?”

“No. I don’t have that kind of money. And he said I owe interest.” Her words are soft, and I hate hearing that defeat in her voice. “I would have to sell the business—”

“I have it.”

“No, Travis.” She shakes her head, but the fear in her eyes is all I can focus on.