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“Patrick demanded Sage. If she doesn’t appear, he may kill Frank before your men get close enough.”

“She is not bait.”

“No,” I say. “I’m the distraction.”

Sean stares at me.

I lift my chin.

“You said the seven men are Iron Ridge. You said you protect people.”

“We do.”

“Then let me help protect Frank.”

His jaw tightens.

“You’re eighteen.”

“That hasn’t changed since the last time you said it.”

Arthur makes a sound from the hallway.

Sean points at him without looking.

“Not one word.”

Arthur raises both hands.

Kane studies the map.

“She can approach from the road while we move into position.”

“No,” Sean says.

“Patrick expects us to refuse.”

“Good. We’ll surprise him.”

“He’ll shoot Frank when Sage doesn’t arrive.”

Sean looks ready to throw every one of them out of the room.

Will steps beside me.

“I’ll take her.”

Sean turns slowly.

“You?”

“Yes.”

“I told you to keep her safe.”

“That’s what I’ll do.”

“By taking her to Patrick?”