Page 16 of Shadow

“I did.”

“You interfered with a hit.”

“I tried to save a witness.”

“You compromised eighteen months!” His voice stayed low, but fury bled through. “Eighteen months cultivating the syndicate. And in one morning, you risked all of it.”

Asher’s hands tightened on the table edge. “She deserved better than bleeding out while everyone took pictures.”

“She was in protective custody. Not your responsibility.”

“She died anyway.”

“Yes.” He took a drag on his cigarette. “Because someone inside is feeding Draven Frost information. Which is why your operation matters. We need to know who’s dirty. We need you maintaining cover—not blowing it to save one witness when thousands more are at risk.”

One witness. He looked away and wanted to hit something.

“Roger Rousseau is still alive.” Patterson opened another file. Hospital photos showed tubes and monitors. “He’s being released on Friday afternoon.”

“To go where?”

“Witness protection.”

“Seriously?” He looked back at Patterson. “Federal protection got Martha killed. Maybe that’s where we’ll find the mole.”

“Agreed. Caroline Kumar is bringing in outside help. A contractor who specializes in witness protection.”

“No. I’ll watch him.”

“We’re pulling Destiny too. You can’t watch both of them.”

Destiny. Roger’s mother, also in custody. Also a witness, although she didn’t have the knowledge Martha had. Still, it could help.

“I’ve spent eighteen months building intelligence. By myself. I don’t need help.”

“You’re a dead man, Asher.”

He blinked at Patterson.

“I’m trying to keep you alive here.” Patterson’s voice dropped. “You think Dmitri didn’t report back? You think Frost isn’t asking why his corrupt agent suddenly developed a conscience?”

His stomach dropped.

“Has Draven reached out?”

Asher’s mouth tightened.

“If you meet with him, you’d better have a good story.” Patterson closed the files. “Frost is going to suspect you.”

“I know.”

Patterson crushed out his cigarette. “Listen. The judge is rescheduling the date, and I’m working on a plea deal for Roger. We’ll get another shot at this—but you need to stay alive and keep these two witnesses alive. And if that means playing nice with the US Marshals Service, then you’re going to do it, with a smile on your ugly mug.”

He stood and dropped cash on the table for drinks they hadn’t ordered. “Get some sleep. Take a shower. Eat a decent meal and be in my office on Thursday at nine a.m.”

“What if this contractor doesn’t trust me?”

“He won’t if he’s smart.”