Sam snorted. “Considering the relationship between father and son, I’m surprised Senior didn’t tell Hamberly to jump off the nearest bridge.”

“Except that Senior saw the fact that his son was gay as something of a personal affront,” Jackson said. “And he would have seen the release of those photos as a smudge on his own reputation.”

A phone rang in the other room. “That’s mine,” I said, and headed in there. I had no idea who’d be ringing at this hour, but the mere fact someone was had trepidation skating up my spine. While the office phone had been diverted to the number, it was doubtful any of our clients would be ringing at four in the morning. Aside from Rory, the only other person who had the number was Scott Baker. A call from either could only mean something had happened. Something bad.

Thankfully, it wasn’t Rory ringing to tell me there’d been another attempt on his life. Nor was it one of our clients.

It was Baker. He didn’t say hello, and he didn’t apologize for ringing so late.

He simply said, “We’ve found Rinaldo.”

CHAPTER 12

Just for a moment, surprise held me speechless. They’d tracked him down and hadn’t yet attacked him? That alone spoke volumes—both about their determination to get him and their respect for him.

Or, at least, respect for his abilities to manipulate and control people.

“How did you manage that?”

“The rats did, not me. They want you in on the action, but only if you agree not to inform PIT.”

I blinked. “Why? The only thing that really matters—”

“Is the fact he killed our people,” Baker cut in harshly. “And for that he must pay. A simple yes or no is all we need, Emberly.”

Awareness itched at my back. I spun around and discovered Sam watching me from the doorway.

“Is there a problem?” he said.

I shook my head, then told Baker, “If that’s the way you want it, sure.”

He gave me the address. “Be there at sunrise.”

I glanced at my watch. We had an hour, no more. “Will do.”

I hung up and threw the phone back into my purse. “Did you want something?”

Sam eyed me somewhat suspiciously. “I’m heading off with Adam. The inspector wants you and Jackson to come into headquarters—tomorrow, if possible.”

I frowned. “Why?”

“Probably to read you the riot act for misusing those badges she foolishly gave you.”

Though his voice was flat, a hint of amusement touched the corners of his eyes. It warmed that stupid part deep inside of me, but I was getting rather good at ignoring that part these days.

“Hey, it wasn’t like we wanted the damn things, but you can hardly blame us for using them to our advantage.” I paused. “You’re not going to drug us again, are you?”