Page 58 of Grim’s Angel

Lock ends a call and looks across the meeting table at me.

“They have Rivers.”

My fingers tighten around the coffee cup. “Alive?”

“In federal custody.”

The answer loosens something inside my chest.

Ghost’s location led Grim, Striker, Torch, and Hound to a hunting lodge near the state line. Rivers was there with two guards, his auction server, and four women waiting to be transported.

The Sinners secured the building before the federal task force arrived. The women are safe. Rivers and his guards are under arrest. The server is now evidence in a trafficking investigation large enough to bury everyone connected to it.

“Grim?” I ask.

“Giving his statement. They’ll be back soon.”

“And my contract?”

“Part of the evidence.” Lock closes the file displayed on his screen. “It was obtained through coercion and fraud. It never had legal force.”

“That would have been useful to know before the bus ride.”

“Yes.”

Lock has the irritating habit of refusing to defend facts that cannot be defended.

“What happens to Alan?”

“The county deputies are on their way.”

“Anthony?”

“Federal agents have a warrant for him.”

“With his money, he’ll hire the best lawyer in the country.”

“A lawyer can challenge evidence,” Lock says. “He can’t erase the server.”

Official vehicles arrive twenty minutes later.

The deputies take Alan first. He looks toward me as they lead him across the yard, but I have nothing left to give him.

Anthony follows under federal escort. His wealth may soften what comes next. His name may open doors most people never see.

It does not open the handcuffs around his wrists.

The vehicles leave through the gates.

Lock places a set of keys on the table.

“Grim ordered an SUV made available to you. He left enough cash for travel and a hotel.”

The old hurt presses against my ribs. “He expects me to leave.”

“He wants the choice to be yours.”

I pick up the keys.