Page 59 of Contracted to the Bikers

“I have enough to establish pattern, intent, and structure,” she continues. “The shell companies link. The money flows. The property acquisitions. It all points to the same operation.”

I lean forward and pick up one of the files. Even before I read it properly, I can see the organization, the clarity, the way every piece slots into place. It’s airtight. The kind of case that should take a whole team of lawyers years to pull off.

Cruz leans in beside me, scanning over the pages. “Jesus,” he mutters. “You weren’t kidding.”

Boone studies another section more slowly, his eyes moving line by line carefully. “This is solid work,” he says, admiration tinging his voice that makes her cheeks flush with pride.

Sloane nods once. “I know.” There’s no arrogance in the statement. She knows her worth.

“What about Briggs?” I ask.

Her gaze lifts to mine immediately. “Briggs is tied in through the network,” she says. “Not directly enough to stand alone, but combined with everything else, and with Connor’s testimony, it’s enough to prosecute.”

Cruz’s expression tightens slightly, and he voices the concern we all share. “As long as Connor doesn’t fold.”

“He won’t,” she says with certainty.

“You trust him?” Boone asks, not for the first time.

“No,” she replies without hesitation. “But I understand Connor’s motivations. That’s enough.”

I flip another page, and that’s when I notice it. Not something that’s there, but something that isn’t. My fingers rest on the paper as I scan again. It’s not there. I look up at her. “You left something out.”

Cruz glances between us. “What?”

Sloane doesn’t look surprised. Of course, she doesn’t. She knew I’d catch it.

“The offer,” I say. I don’t elaborate, I don’t need to.

Boone stills beside me. Cruz’s eyes sharpen. “What offer?” Boone asks.

Sloane answers calmly. “Briggs’ attempt to purchase the land.”

Boone’s gaze shifts to me. We’ve already had this fight, already torn the stitching of our friendship open, and then sewn it back together. Boone looks between us. Then back at Sloane. “And it’s not in the case?”

“No,” she says.

“Why not?” he asks slowly.

Sloane meets his gaze directly. “Because including it weakens the case.”

Cruz frowns. “How?”

“It shifts the narrative,” she explains. “It gives the defense an alternative motive, one that reframes Briggs’ actions as reactive rather than premeditated.”

Boone considers that. “And that helps him.”

“Yes.”

I watch her. “You’re protecting the case,” I say. “You’re protecting me.”

She doesn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

Cruz lets out a quiet breath. “That’s a big call.”

“I know.”

Boone studies her for a long moment. “You’re sure it won’t harm the case?”