Page 32 of Collateral Love

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“Z—Zay—” the man stammered.

I closed the door behind us.

That sound was final.

Zayden shoved him forward, pinning him against the wall.

“Don’t scream,” Zayden said calmly. “You already too late for that.”

The man started shaking and looking down the hall.

“Don’t you fucking scream and try to warn Bradly,” I warned.

“I ain’t say nothing—I swear?—”

I stepped closer.

Close enough that he noticed me.

That was when his fear shifted.

“You remember Jared?” I asked.

His eyes darted to mine.

“No,” he lied.

Zayden glanced at me.

I nodded.

That was permission.

I reached into my bag and pulled out the zip ties, looping them around the man’s wrists with practiced efficiency. My hands didn’t shake. My breath didn’t stutter. I felt present and grounded.

Zayden went down the hall, grabbed his twin, and tied him to the dining room chair next to his brother.

“You took deals,” I said quietly as I cinched them tight. “You told stories. You walked away and slept just fine after.”

Tears spilled down Bradly’s face.

“I had to,” he sobbed. “The DA said?—”

“They always say something,” Zayden interrupted. “That’s how they get you to talk.”

Zayden grabbed Brandon’s jaw, forcing his head up.

He looked at me.

“You ready?”

“Yes,” I said.

He stepped aside just enough to make space.

I didn’t hesitate.

I stepped in.

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