unique, powerful types in Shya’s arsenal. I’m sure he doesn’t need that kind of power to police the idiots. But, who am I to say?”
I was growing increasingly uncomfortable. Somehow, I managed to sit still, giving Briggs a disaffected stare.
“Come on, Briggs. This can’t be why you tracked my phone and hauled my ass in here,” I said, trying to steer the conversation in a new direction. “What do you want?”
He appeared pensive, choosing his words. “I want you to replace Veryl Armstrong as our informant.”
I wasn’t sure what to think of that. Laughter was my initial reaction. Briggs glowered at me, waiting for me to get it out of my system.
“Now, why the hell would I want to do that?” I asked, sobering quickly.
“Well for one, it would make me a whole lot more likely to turn a blind eye toward your dirty little whorehouse and what goes on inside.” Raising a dark brow, Briggs pinned me with an arrogant sneer. “Besides, it seems only fitting, seeing as you’re the one who killed him.”
My lips twitched into a hint of a smirk. Briggs really thought he knew it all. I still wasn’t sure how I felt about killing Veryl. He had hidden so much from me. I still felt the bitter sting of betrayal. Yet, as I continued to uncover pieces of the puzzle, it became clear that there was more to Veryl’s actions than I’d first thought. I was starting to think he might have been trying to protect me all along.
“I sure did. I had my reasons. When it becomes illegal to kill a vampire, maybe I’ll share them with you. You might want to try something else. That tactic isn’t going to work.”
“I’m trying to protect this city, O’Brien. It would be nice if you’d like to do the same. Then, we could come to some kind of agreement.” Briggs spread his hands as if trying to appeal to my common sense. “I’m not your enemy. I have a job to do. For this city, this country. The world even. Supernatural shit isn’t contained by borders. You know that. You have an opportunity to play an important role here.”
“So, what are you saying? If I don’t I’ll be labelled some kind of supernatural terrorist threat? I bet you have some swanky government term for that. I’m not your enemy either, Agent. But, I have no interest in working for you.”
“Then work with us.” Briggs leaned forward, his voice rising in volume. “Look, Alexa, I have information on Shya. I think you have some, too. If you’re not on the inside with him, then I think it’s safe to assume you and I want the same things as far as he’s concerned.”
“And, what might that be?” My curiosity was piqued. If Briggs knew something about Shya that I didn’t, I wanted to know what it was.
“To stop him from tearing innocent lives apart. Freedom from the wait. Never knowing what he’s up to, but always knowing whatever it is, it’s gonna be big and fucking bad.” Anger flickered through his eyes, and he clenched his fists. “Do you share that burden, or am I alone in that?”
I met his gaze steadily, repressing the flicker of hope that leapt in my chest. Could it be possible that I could trust the FPA regarding Shya? It seemed too good to be true. It would be so damn nice to have someone on the outside who understood how dangerous the demon was.
“Yeah,” I admitted. “I share that burden. More so these days than ever before.”
I glanced out the tinted window, watching the buildings pass by. I disliked Briggs immensely. He was near the top of my shit list after what he’d done to Kale. I held him responsible for Kale’s snap in sanity. Still, I needed someone on my side with this. It would be a risk to trust him but one that might be worth taking.
“I know he’s had a heavy hand in controlling your life since your parents died,” Briggs spoke softly. “I’m sorry about that. He’s not here by accident. He chose this city for a reason. And you. But, I’m not sure how much I can share. I need to know I can trust you.”
I swung my gaze back to Briggs, letting the wolf rise up to fill my eyes. He did a great job of maintaining his composure. Only the subtle increase of his pulse gave away his unease.
“Trust is a two way street, Briggs.