Page 69 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

“She’s going to be a problem,” I repeat.

“I don’t think she will,” he snivels. “She’s just visiting. Here on some sort of research grant.”

“Which means she’s smart. I don’t like smart.”

“She’s a nobody. Leave her be and stick to the plan. You’re always saying we can’t deviate.”

I don’t know why he’s arguing. I’m not asking for his approval. It’s not like he has affection for the woman. She’s an outsider. Someone sent from D.C. No chance she knows our city and culture better than we do.

Gritting my teeth, only my raised eyebrow shows annoyance. “She’s an obstacle,” I say calmly. “That’s all. Nothing we haven’t handled before.”

His eyes widen, the shadows making his sagging features even more pathetic. “We can’t afford to be hasty again,” he whispers.

The memory of my most recent mistake flashes through my mind. I let my guard down, I was too confident. And he’s throwing it back in my face!

It makes me want to tell him my plan. How I almost hatched it today .

I bite back the swell of anger rushing through my veins. I won’t let him see it. Not now. His time is coming. Not letting him suspect it will only make it sweeter.

I nod slowly. “You’re right. For now. But keep an eye on her. Make sure she doesn’t get too close.”

He nods, turning away with obvious relief. But the weight of his words lingers. There’s no room for error. Not now. The stakes are too high. I can’t afford any more mistakes.

The girl I left at the cemetery was problematic enough.

It doesn’t matter. I do what needs to be done, like always.

And if this outsider gets too close, I’ll take care of her, too. I will not allow anyone to threaten what I’ve built. The harvest is all that matters.

The good of many outweighs the good of one.