Deirdre's breathing grew heavy as she put the thing on the table, her expression defensive. "Ryker, I'm willing to cooperate with you, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid. You won't tell me what this thing is, and Brendan won't notice it. If he drinks it and dies, I'll be arrested again. It's like killing two birds with one stone for you, isn't it?"

Ryker smiled. "How could it be poison? Remember, I said I want something he currently possesses. Otherwise, I could hypnotize him and make him end his