“We had an understanding, Gabby.” Retta’s tone took on a scolding note. “We talked about this.”

“You threatened me while I was standing in the room with a man who I knew had killed at least two people.” Gabby gave the unknown man with them a glance, but he didn’t have any reaction to the murder talk. “Pardon me for panicking and silently conceding to your Darren or Liam challenge.”

“The police cleared Liam this morning.” Retta counted out her list on her fingers. “The site that leaked the information about Kennedy and Liam being father and daughter was discredited last night. The story is now that an individual blackmailing Liam—”

“A person who doesn’t exist.”

“—framed Liam and spread information about Kennedy that may or may not be true in an attempt to extort money from him. This individual also planted evidence at Liam’s home, which after being tested has no connection to Baines’s death. So Liam is clear there, too.” Retta wrapped her arms around her. “He looks like a victim. A man still grieving from his brother’s death who became a target of someone looking for a quick payday.”

“Is there a PR team at the Foundation that comes up with these lies, or is that part of your job?”

Retta shifted, suddenly sitting forward. “Don’t underestimate Faith.”

“She killed her best friend to protect a secret society. I’m quite clear about how dangerous Faith is.” Gabby had spent five of the last six nights not sleeping. She had a bat next to her bed and a knife under her pillow.

Retta frowned. “Then why are you inviting her to be an enemy?”

This topic wouldn’t take them where Gabby wanted to go. They could talk in circles, but she’d come here for a reason, and not the one Retta thought.

“We need a new deal,” Gabby said, sounding more secure than she was.

Retta smiled. “You’d need leverage for that.”

“Did I forget to mention I have this?” Gabby reached into her bra and pulled out a memory stick. “You stole Jessa’s bag, but I had this. Well, not this one specifically. This one is a copy, because this isn’t my first day dealing with you. I’ve learned a few things.”

Retta glanced at the man who’d conducted the patdown then to Gabby again. “I don’t know what you think—”

“Your files. Jessa collected them from the firm’s top secret partner closet . . . or vault. I’m unclear on what it is. There’s probably a technical name for it, but that’s how she described it.” Gabby set the stick on the table between them.

“Get to the point.”