Page 114 of Collateral Love
“You’re moving fast,” I said.
“We’re responding to developments,” she replied. “We’d like to speak with you regarding?—”
“No,” I said calmly.
A pause.
“You haven’t heard the request.”
“I don’t need to,” I replied. “If you had something solid, you’d be knocking, not calling.”
Silence stretched.
“ If you won’t work with us, your sister-in-law is facing significant exposure.”
I opened my eyes.
“That’s interesting,” I said. “Because why subpoena her first if you want a deal? Good luck with your case,” I continued. “And tell whoever’s advising you that shortcuts leave fingerprints.”
I hung up.
Miles shifted. “That was aggressive.”
Xavier turned his tablet toward me again.
“I found the pattern,” he said quietly.
On-screen: a timeline.
Legal filings.
Financial locks.
Media leaks.
All staggered.
All precise.
“And?” I asked.
“They all trace back to one consulting firm,” he said. “On paper, they’re neutral. Risk assessment. Crisis management.”
I leaned in. “Name.”
Xavier hesitated just long enough to register.
“Cameron Price.”
The room went silent.
Miles went still.
I straightened slowly.
“That name familiar to anyone else?” I asked.
Joel swallowed. “She’s the daughter of Alan Price.”
