Page 100 of Collateral Love

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And once the internet smelled blood, it didn’t stop sniffing.

“Media’s moving,” Xavier said. “And police chatter is ugly.”

Channy’s face hardened. “They're gonna try to tie this to us. I’m a state official.”

“We don’t know that,” I said. “Don’t be paranoid. Remember, Charles doesn’t just want Kenya hurt. But don’t worry, sis. I would die before I let your name be smeared.”

I leaned back, letting the full shape of it settle in the room.

“He wants me, you, and Kenya exposed. He wants Chanel’s career hanging off a cliff, so she has to choose loyalty or survival.”

Chanel’s jaw flexed.

Miles leaned forward. “We can get ahead of it. I’ve got a relationship with?—”

Xavier held up a hand. “No.”

Miles paused. “No?”

Xavier’s gaze stayed on the screen. “We don’t call friends. We call assets.”

Miles gave a tight smile. “Same thing.”

Xavier finally looked at him.

“No, the fuck it ain’t.”

The room went quiet.

I watched Miles carefully.

He didn’t flinch. Didn’t get offended, and he didn’t get loud.

He kept his face calm.

Too calm. If he wasn't dirty, he would take offense to the sudden questioning of his loyalty.

I filed it away.

Kenya would’ve filed it away, too.

Joel cleared his throat softly. “Boss… we got the first pressure report.”

“Talk,” I said.

He tapped the tablet, and the screens shifted.

“Charles’s cash flow took the first hit. Three shell accounts froze within the last hour. Two warehouses got flagged for inspection. And?—”

I raised a hand. “That ain’t us.”

Joel hesitated. “No, sir.”

I leaned forward slightly.

“Who hit it?” I asked.

Joel swallowed. “Unknown. But… the pattern is familiar.”

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