“That’s my question to you,” I said. “What is your interest in her?”

He lifted his hands in supplication. “It’s nothing like that, Elias. She’s just a nice lady. Nothing more,” he said.

I didn’t say anything, but the relief was immediate and intense.

I’d never considered myself jealous, but maybe I had just never had anything to be jealous of.

Narek again proved his value when he overlooked what could easily have been interpreted as a pathetic, overemotional outburst and starting selecting weapons of his own.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

“Getting prepared,” he responded.

I shook my head. “You’ve done more than you should have already. And there might still be consequences for that. But I’m going to ask you one more question, and then you’re going to forget that you saw me today,” he said.

“Elias, you can’t go in there by yourself, and go in blind on top of it,” he said.

“Which is why you’re going to tell me what I’m going to be up against,” I responded.

He studied me and then nodded.

“I can’t say who’s with him for sure, but he’s been using a couple of hired hands to keep close. He sometimes uses one or two of our guys, but I haven’t seen them for the last couple of days,” he said.

“How many is a ’couple’?” I asked.

“Usually five. On occasion up to eight,” he said.

“Good,” I responded.

I had suspected my father was using outside security, but it was good to have it confirmed.

And it made what I had to do today that much easier.

Narek cleared his throat, and when I looked at him, he said, “A question, Elias?”

I nodded. “Yeah?”

“Why did your father have me drive him if he doesn’t trust us?” he asked.

“Why do you think he doesn’t trust us?” I said.

“He uses those men. And there’s no need for that,” Narek said.

I nodded. “I’m sure he was using you to test you and see what information would get back to me,” I said.

“He thinks I’m that stupid?” Narek asked, clearly disgusted.

“Probably,” I responded honestly. “Although, is he mistaken? You’re here now, going against the head of your family.”

“This is for Kayla. And that’s all.”

“But a man who will make exceptions for one thing can’t be trusted to be loyal in others,” I pointed out.

Narek always kept his emotions under wraps, but I could see his anger now. “You don’t trust me?”

“I do. Which is why I’m letting you walk out of here. My father won’t learn of anything you’ve said to me, at least not from me. But don’t make this a habit, Narek. Now get out of here,” I said.