“I’m not coming to your office,” I said.
Marcus’s laugh was sharp. “You think you have a choice?”
“Yes.”
“Interesting. And here I thought you were smart.”
My hand tightened on the phone. Around me, the coffee shop continued its morning rush—steam hissing. Cups clinking. Normal sounds for a morning that felt anything but normal.
“I made my decision,” I said. “There’s nothing left to discuss.”
“You made the wrong decision. I’m giving you a chance to fix it.”
“I don’t want to fix it.”
“Then you’re a fool.” His voice dropped lower. Dangerous. “Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?”
“I chose not to be bribed.”
“You chose to make an enemy. Me. And Madison. And everyone else who understands how things work in this world.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“Will you? Because I’ve already m
