“For argument’s sake, let’s say Gentry eliminates me and gets caught. Do you think the crime situation is goin’ away?”

“No, I’m not that naïve.”

“The chances of someone more just than me takin’ over are slim to none. That’s why I’m having a hard time getting a foothold. Some men see me as weak.” He clasped his hands together. “In that meeting tonight, you didn’t come across as an investor, Rose. You came across as a partner.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shook his head and sat up. “I won’t deny I was pissed as hell, but after you dressed down Humphrey, those other two men respected you. Together we make a united front. They want to be a part of that.”

“What are you suggesting?”

“That I utilize you more. More meetings. More face time.”

I shook my head, dread seeping into my bones. “No, Skeeter. I can’t.”

His eyes hardened. “Why? Because you don’t want to help me?”

“No, because I have a business—I have two businesses. I have friends and family and a boyfriend. What you’re suggesting means I’ll be spending a ton of time with you. How can I explain that away?”

“Okay, then answer me this: Do you trust me to be in charge of this county?”

He was asking me to condone his criminal activities, which went against everything I believed. But there was some sense to what he said. And at the auction that snagged him his place as the king of the Fenton County underworld, he would have killed the men who’d robbed the bank if I hadn’t coerced him not to use violence. I had a chance to have a positive influence on him, but at what cost?

“Yes, I trust you,” I finally said, “but it’s not that simple. Mason and the sheriff’s department are dyin’ with curiosity over the Lady in Black. All that talk was settlin’ down, but if I start makin’ more appearances, their curiosity will perk up again. You can wander the street a free man, but if I show up in a public place as Lady, someone’s bound to question me. I can’t risk it.”

He was quiet for a moment. “I see your point. If I can make this work with as minimal involvement from you and risk to you as possible, are you on board?”

“According to our bargain, you can request my help whenever and however often you want, Skeeter.” I tried to keep the bitterness from my voice.

“Screw the bargain. I need you committed.”

“Does that mean you’re letting me off the hook?”

He studied me again, his face devoid of emotion. “Do you want to be set free from your agreement?”

It was a tricky question. “A deal’s a deal, Skeeter.”

He stood and released a loud groan as he moved to the center of the room.

“Doesn’t having a woman as a partner make you look weaker?”

“Strangely enough, no. You’re strong enough to draw their interest.”

I stood and walked over to him. “I realize you have a lot to lose, but so do I. You chose this life. I fell into it by accident. How long would I have to commit to this role?”

“Until Gentry is gone?” But he seemed unsure, which meant he wasn’t giving me an end date.

“And what about the man calling the shots? Won’t he just take Gentry’s place once his stooge disappears?”

“He’s hiding for a reason. He wants to stay in the shadows. He won’t make himself known.”

“I don’t know.” I turned away from hm. “I’m not saying no, but I’m asking for some time to think about it. It’s a big decision.”

“I’ll give you twenty-four hours. Call me with your answer.”

Only twenty-four hours? If I committed to this and got caught, I could face prison time. Not even Mason would be able to save me…that was, assuming he’d still want to help. He’d probably leave me and never look back. But I also had the chance to help him and whoever else was on that evil list. Could I really afford to say no? “Fine. Twenty-four hours. So are we done?”

His mouth turned down into a frown. “You’re free.”

I started for the door, but a sudden thought made me turn around to look at him. “Why didn’t you let Jed stay?”

His jaw worked for a moment, then he said, “Jed doesn’t know anything about our arrangement.”

“But he knows you saved Mason from the fire. He helped you pull him out.”

“He thinks I only did it to help you.”

I wasn’t sure how to answer that. “Why keep it from him? I thought you could trust him.”

“I trust him implicitly. But this is between you and me. No one else needs to know.”

I nodded. I had a feeling he’d made that decision for my benefit and not his own. The gesture wasn’t lost on me. “Thank you.”

“Rose.” He moved to his desk and opened a drawer. “What you said earlier is true. If Gentry has a hit list, there’s a very good chance Deveraux’s name is on it.”

My stomach cramped. “I know.”

“If someone tries to kill him, they might think you’re in the way.” He pulled out a small handgun and shut the drawer. “I want you to take this.”

I shook my head. “I can’t carry a gun around.”

“You need to protect yourself.”

“I don’t even know how to use it.”