Not hurt . Not expose . Destroy.
“I do not balance scales,” she said. “But occasionally, I enjoy watching a hammer fall on the hand that swung it.”
“Julian Cross has a housekeeper. Marta. She has been with him twenty-three years. She knows where his safe is hidden, what his nightmares are, and which of his smiles is real. She also has a grandson with a rare blood disorder. Julian pays for the treatment. Generously.” mistress katha
Her voice did not waver. Her hands did not shake.
She touched the silver key at her throat. “Because three years ago, Julian Cross came to me. He wanted to destroy a woman who had spurned him. I gave him the tools. He used them. She took her own life six months later.” Not hurt
“You’re late,” she said. Not accusatory. Simply true.
I closed the folder. “Why are you helping me?” “I do not balance scales,” she said
“You will not get it. Not for money. Not for threats. Not for charm.” She tilted her head. “But I will give you something else. A lesson. The price is one question. Any question. But you must answer mine first.”