They all fall silent, and I can see the irritation coiling in Judge’s spine, but he still won’t look at me. There’s no way any of them will handle this amicably with tensions as high as they are, and I have to put them at ease.

“It’s okay,” I tell Georgie and Solana, taking a careful step forward. “I’m going to be okay here for now. I promise you, I’m safe. I’m going to talk to my brother soon, and we’ll get this all sorted out.”

“Maybe I should go talk to your brother.” Solana’s eyes flash with fury as she turns her attention back to Judge. “I’m sure he’d love to hear all about what you’ve been doing here.”

Oh, fuck. My eyes feel huge as her threat settles over us like a dark cloud. If I thought Judge was pissed before, I was wrong. Now, his rage is a living, breathing animal, so palpable I can feel it radiating off him.

“That won’t be necessary,” I choke out, trying to salvage this trainwreck of a negotiation. “Santi will talk to me.”

Georgie looks doubtful that Judge will let that happen, and if I’m being honest, so am I. His current status is throwing off over my dead body vibes, and I know the reason is because he doesn’t want to lose Santi as a friend. Solana hit him right in the solar plexus with her well-aimed threat, but in doing so, she also revealed that I’ve told them far more about IVI than I ever should have. Something I don’t doubt will go over too well with Judge.

“I’m not leaving here until I know Mercedes has a line of communication.” Solana stares Judge down in a way that I have to give her credit for, considering he terrifies most grown men. “And if one single day goes by that I don’t get proof of life, I will burn this place to the fucking ground to find her. Do you understand me?”

I suck in a sharp breath, simultaneously loving my friend and wishing she’d trust my assurances that I can handle this. But then again, I’m the one who dragged them into this world. They only know what they’ve seen and heard so far, which hasn’t been great.

“She’ll call you once a day under my supervision,” Judge clips out. “At a time of my choosing.”

Honestly, I’m surprised by his concession, and I can tell Solana is too. I didn’t think he’d cave, but then again, she gave him a powerful motivation. And I’m not sure how to feel about his determination not to let Santiago know what’s happening. That doesn’t bode well for me.