If he did, he'd already be gone. Elena's mind was clearly racing, strategizing even through the shock. Derek is smart, careful. He's been planning this for months, maybe years, which means there's more. We don't know, more people involved, more evidence to gather.
If we arrest him now, we lose the chance to see the full picture. You want to use him? Morrison said, "I want to finish this. Not just stop one attack, but dismantle the entire conspiracy." Elena's voice hardened.
Derek had help. Someone on the outside funding this, coordinating it. I want them, too. Webb leaned forward. That's dangerous, Ms. Hart.
Every day Derek walks free. Is another day he could try something else. Not if he thinks he's still hidden. Not if we feed him information that makes him believe his plan is still viable. Marcus watched her work. saw the strategic mind that had built an empire operating at full capacity.
But he also saw the cost. The way her hands trembled slightly before she clasped them together, the tension in her jaw that spoke of betrayal cutting deep. "What do you propose?" Morrison asked. We tell Derek that the investigation into Porter is stalling, that the money trail went cold at the offshore account, that I'm focused on external threats, increasing public security, leaving internal systems vulnerable.
Elena's voice gained strength. We give him rope to hang himself with, and we watch everything he does, everyone he contacts. That puts you at significant risk, Morrison said carefully. If he feels threatened, if he suspects at all, I'll have protection. Elena's eyes flicked to Marcus.
And I'll be careful, but I won't let whoever orchestrated this walk away because we move too fast. Morrison studied her for a long moment. Then nodded slowly. 48 hours. We'll monitor Derek around the clock.
Track every communication, every movement. But if he makes any move that suggests immediate danger, we shut it down. agreed. The meeting continued for another hour, establishing surveillance protocols, communication channels. When the investigators finally left, Elena remained seated at the conference table, staring at her clasped hands. Marcus waited.
"You don't have to do this," he said quietly. "You don't have to put yourself at risk to catch everyone involved. Let the police handle it. The police will arrest Derek and be satisfied with closing the case. Elena didn't look up.
But the person who funded this, who approached Derek in the first place, they'll disappear. Find someone else to target me, and I'll spend the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, wondering when the next attack will come. Better than being dead. Is it? Elena finally looked at him.
Her eyes were haunted. I've built my entire existence around control, around knowing the variables, managing the risks, staying three steps ahead of everyone trying to take what I've built. If I let fear dictate my choices now, I lose the only thing that's kept me standing all these years. You're allowed to be afraid. You're allowed to choose safety over.