"Sit down, Moana ...! Don't glare at me!" Roberto shouted.
Moana obeyed.
Roberto stared at her for a long time, as if appraising a piece of merchandise that was starting to go bad.
"Sean's people are on the move," he said flatly. "They're looking for you."
Moana swallowed hard. "You said I'd be safe."
Roberto gave a wry smile. "I said you'd be safe if you were useful."
Those words hit harder than a slap.
"Sean knows you're under my watch," Roberto continued. "And that makes me a liability."
Moana shook her head quickly. "I've done everything you asked. I haven't spoken. I—"
"You did what I allowed you to do," Roberto cut in. "That's different from being loyal."
He stood up, pacing around Moana like a lazy predator.
"Sean won't forgive betrayal," he said. "And Clara… she's too meticulous in her movements."
Moana looked up. "Then why am I still allowed to live?"
Roberto stopped in front of her.
"Because you still have one last use," he replied softly. "You're bait."
