“Which is why I have to go live. In one hour, I’ll broadcast Richard’s admission to the entire world. We’re editing clips of your conversation now. I called a friend of mine at the FBI, who’s waiting for us to air. Before my interview is over, Richard will be arrested.”

“What about the mayor?” I protest. What if he heads it like Adam thought? My dad set out to take down the entire organization, not just its right-hand man. Everyone involved has to rot in prison for the rest of their lives so the Death Mob is over forever. My dad’s death, Adam’s death, Ryan’s death, all our sacrifices—they have to mean something.

“We don’t have anything on the mayor.” The van lurches to the right. Emi’s hand flies out against the side of the van, bracing her, while my shoulder crashes into it. I reposition my folding chair and rub the bruise already forming.

Emi continues. “Richard admitted to organizing the Death Mob and targeting victims. He didn’t reveal anything about the mayor being connected.”

“You can’t.” There must be a way to get them both. If someone brings Richard in for questioning, they could get it out of him. Good cop, bad cop, whatever. If someone reliable investigated this, they could bring everyone down. The mayor. Lip Spikes. All the Initiators directly responsible for fifteen deaths.

Emi doesn’t break eye contact. “Time is already against us. This guy has a reach into all levels of law enforcement. He’s been running this thing for over eight years and controls half the city. We need to force the hands of those who would protect him. It’s the smart thing to do, Lia.”

“The mayor’s involved. I know he is.”

“Probably. But right now, we can get Richard.” Her expression is serious. “You’re right. He will try to kill you. We need to cut him off before he does.”

The world spins, dizzying my thoughts, but Emi remains composed. Articulate. “There will be a case against Richard. And you’re going to need to testify. We need to protect you too.”

I wish I had someone to talk to, to help me figure out whether this is the best way like she says. Instead, I picture the Swarm closing in on Ryan. I hear the gunshot, and a piercing pain fills every inch of my body. I double over again. The second I do, I feel Emi kneel beside me.

“I want these guys too.”

I lean back against the chair, too drained to fight her. “You’ve been listening in on me for weeks, haven’t you?” I think of the night I kissed Ryan. I had the phone with me then. I wonder how much she heard. It should have been private, a special moment between Ryan and me, and she ruined it, listening in like some voyeuristic peeping Tom.