Challenges.

Eric raised a brow. "You wanna be in control but stay in the shadows at the same time?"

I nodded. "I need to see how they work first. Get a feel for them. If they're not the right fit, I can pull the plug without them ever knowing I was the one calling the shots."

Eric smirked. "You really are a paranoid bastard, huh?"

"I just don't want to mess this up."

He leaned back, thinking. "Alright, I've got an idea. I'll keep handling the direct talks. To them, I'm still the one running point. But I'll introduce you as an associate—someone sent to help out and keep things running smoothly."

I considered it. That meant I'd be close enough to see everything but not exposed. No pressure. No expectations. And if things went south, I could walk away clean.

"That could work…" I said slowly.