Page 105 of Second Chance Savior

“Agent Somerton is outside,” I said. “She’ll take you into custody, and you’ll repeat everything that’s on the video. But you won’t tell the FBI about the list. Not yet. You keep that to yourself for now.”

Jud tilted his head. “And in exchange?”

“After you’re in custody, Agent Somerton will take personal responsibility for your safety. I will do what I can to make sure you’re shown leniency.”

“I want full protective custody. No visitors or cellmates, monitoring 24-7. Plus privileges. TV and internet access.”

“Done.” The word left a bad taste in my mouth, but I had to give him something. “I can’t force the FBI to listen to me, but I will do everything in my power. I’ll make sure thegovernor does as well. He can’t pardon federal crimes. But he can pardon state ones.”

Once River and I had made that list public, it wouldn’t matter that we’d agreed with Jud to hold the info back. The FBI and every other part of the government would have enough of a firestorm on their hands. But Iwouldmake sure that Jud served time in prison. Maybe in greater comfort than he deserved, but there was no way I’d allow him to get off scot free. He would find that out. Eventually.

I could be deceptive and manipulative too. For the right reasons.

Jud looked down at his bound hands. “The list is on a hard drive in a safe deposit box in Silver Ridge.” Another town in Hart County, less than an hour away from Hartley. “The key is with my things in the art studio.”

“Thank you.” I turned to go.

“Charlotte, wait. I’m sorry for what happened. And I’m sorry for losing you.”

“You never really had me.”

Twenty minutes later, we had packed up and were ready to go. I had thrown together Jud’s belongings in the studio, taking only what was essential. I’d found the safe deposit key exactly where Jud had said it would be.

River had gassed up the ATV using my dad’s supplies and moved it next to the studio. That was where I found him when I stepped outside, hefting Jud’s pack. River was checking over his weapons. Something he seemed to do a lot, especially when we were about to be on the move.

“Brynn is putting her own cuffs on Jud and reading him his rights,” I said.

River examined the magazine of his rifle, then snapped it back into place. “What are the chances Jud will tell her about the list first thing?” he asked. “It’ll be hard for him to resist trying to negotiate a better deal. He’ll be turning on the charm.”

“She’s an attractive woman, so I have no doubt of that. But do you think that will work with her?” I laughed. River did too. “Jud loves himself most, and his secrets second,” I said. “He’ll hold on to whatever he’s got with the hopes of using it to his own benefit later. But there’s something else I haven’t told you. The FBI suspects you and your friends of being vigilantes. That’s what Brynn said.”

River didn’t look all that surprised. “Jud said something similar about Stillwater. They’re onto us too. Not sure which concerns me more, the FBI’s attention or Stillwater’s. Did Brynn mention Last Refuge?”

“No, but how long until the Feds figure it out? About the Protectors, your mission. The things you’ve already done.” Very illegal things.

River pulled me in for a quick kiss to my forehead. “I’ll let the guys know when I’m back in Hartley. I already uploaded the video of Jud’s confession to our server using my satellite connection. Trace and the others know to be careful. We’ve always been aware it could be difficult to keep our work secret in the long run. But that’ll have to be a problem for another day.”

“Seems like we’re pushing off a lot of problems until later. I don’t like that feeling.”

“But aren’t you used to it by now as a politician?” He tucked my hair behind my ear. Smiled at me fondly. “Let’s get through today, Charlie-baby. Then we can start dealing with what’s next for us.”

That was a loaded statement. How much of anuswould there be once this was over?

“We’d better go,” I said. “Brynn will be waiting for us.” She and Jud would be on their way, and then River and I would lock up my parents’ place and head out ourselves. The trip back to the 4Runner would go much quicker on the ATV.

When we got to the garage, Brynn was leading Jud outside. His wrists were cuffed, but his ankles were free. He blinked at the sunlight, squinting. The man said nothing, glancing away from us.

I held out the bag with Jud’s belongings to her. She slung it over her shoulder and leaned in to give me a hug. “Stay safe,” she said. “I’ll see you soon.”

I nodded. Brynn turned to River, and they shook hands.

“No hard feelings?” he asked.

“For which part?”

He shrugged. “Eh, I find it best not to remember all the things I do to piss my friends off. We’re friends, right?”

She snorted and shook her head. “Forgiveness is a good policy between friends. Let’s try to stay that way.”

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