Page 69

Bishop

Deacon held my arms, while Rook stood between me and Detective Flannigan.

“I guess you really like this female, huh?” Deacon said.

“I’d say he does, but he needs to get his emotions in check, or she might just be dead when we get to her.” Rook glared at me.

“I’m fine.” I shook Deacon off.

“You’re clearly not fine. I don’t remember the last time you lost your shit.”

I ignored my brother and turned my focus on the detective who was dabbing at his lip with a tissue. “If you get in my way—”

“You can’t kill him. I need to take him in. I’ll turn a blind eye to everything else, but he has to be alive.” He held my gaze.

My jaw clenched.

“Mr. Chambers … Bishop , right? I know who you and your brother are. I did my homework. I know what you can do, and I’m willing to let you do whatever you feel is necessary except murder him.”

“I don’t murder people.” My voice was cold.

“Maybe you don’t call it murder, but that’s how everyone else will view it. If we don’t take him alive, we can’t take him to court and bring all the shit he’s done to light. If you kill him, I will have to arrest you. And I don’t think that will go well for your brother this time around, do you? He’ll be implicated by simply being here with you. So, you can go in there and subdue him, and I will arrest him. Deal?”

“What exactly will you arrest him for?”

“He’s overplayed his hand. He was supposed to take Eden directly to the station, not bring her here. I’m sure she will testify that bringing her here was against her will and give a statement about everything else he’s done.”

I gave an abrupt nod. “Fine.”

“How do you want to do this?” Rook turned to me.

“It’s the wrong time for room service, but perfect for a drunk going back to their room and trying to open the wrong door.”

Deacon chuckled. “Guess that’s my cue.” He rolled up the sleeves on his shirt, untucked it from his jeans, and ran his hands through his hair to mess it up. “I’ll get him to open the door, be ready to go inside. I don’t know if he’s armed, so be prepared.”

“I’ll wait out here. It’s best I don’t witness what you do. I’ll come in once you have him locked down. Give me a nod or something when you’re ready for me.” Flannigan walked back to his car and sat inside.

“Do you need a gun?” Rook asked.

I shook my head. “If I have a gun, I might accidentally squeeze the trigger.”

Deacon snickered. “Okay, let’s do this. The doors open inward to the right. If he’s cautious, he’ll put his head out and look around, which means he’ll see both of you, so you need to move fast once the door is open. Ready?”

I nodded. “Let’s do this.”