Page 21 of Protecting You
This whole story was bizarre, and he’d offered zero evidence that anything he was telling her was true.
From her quick glance his way, he looked more amused than offended.
She set her laptop on the coffee table.
“All the information you’ve collected for Ghazi is on the thumb drive?” At her nod, Callan said, “I’ll need to see it.”
“You have a warrant?”
“You’re funny.”
“I’m not trying to be funny, Callan. I’ve already told you more than I should have. I promise my clients confidentiality. You need to give me a good reason to break that.”
His brows lowered. “Alyssa.”
“Callan.” She matched his tone and expression. “This is my business. My livelihood. I can’t just betray my clients because you said pretty-please.”
He blew out a breath. “Do the words ‘national security’mean anything to you?”
“Does the word ‘warrant’ mean anything to you?”
“I’m not… I can’t help you officially. I don’t work for the FBI. I can’t get a warrant.”
“Then I can’t tell you?—”
“Oh, come on.” He leaned forward and settled his forearms on his knees. “I’m trying to protect you.”
“And I’m supposed to just believe that? Just believe everything you’re telling me.”
His eyes popped wide. “Seriously? Why would I lie?”
“I don’t know. Why would you? You lied to Charles.”
“You’re being ridiculous.”
“You’ve offered zero proof of all your claims.”
“I don’t need to…” He took a breath and started again. “Your apartment was broken into.”
“Maybe those were your people.” Now that it occurred to her, it all seemed so obvious. Callan had inserted himself into her meeting, then insisted on walking her home. He’dsavedher from the intruders. But what if the intruders worked for him?
What if he was the one she should fear?
What if this was all some elaborate ruse?
“Are you serious?”
“I need proof?—”
“For the love of all that’s holy.” He launched to his feet. “Call. Michael.”
“He’ll call me when?—”
“I’ll do it myself.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. Surely, he didn’t have her cousin’s number on speed dial. A moment later, he spoke. “I need contact information for Michael Wright. It’s an emergency.” He waited a moment then said, “I’ll hold.”
“Fine.” Alyssa snatched her cell off the coffee table. “I’ll call him.”
Callan glared at her.
