Everyone freezes.
I can't go with her. But I can make damn sure she doesn't walk into that courtroom alone.
"I've backed down. I'll go into fucking hiding if that'll help. But Ash goes with her. That's my deal."
Rodriguez turns. "Excuse me?"
"You're not sending her to Atlanta with just Maya and the security team that got her shot. Ash goes."
"Mr. Diesel, I just explained—"
"He's the sheriff. Law enforcement escort for a witness in a high-profile case. The defense wants to make an issue of that, they'll look like idiots."
Rodriguez's gaze sharpens. "The same arguments apply. His connection to your organization—"
"Ash." I don't take my eyes off Rodriguez. "Tell her."
Ash steps forward.
"I'm escorting her in an official capacity. Witness protection. I have standing. I have cause. Defense tries to spin it any other way, they'll be laughed out of court." He pauses. "I know the law, Ms. Rodriguez. Probably better than you think."
Rodriguez calculates. Whether this fight is worth having. Whether she can win it.
She can't.
"Fine. But you stay in the background. No interviews. No statements. Security, nothing more."
"Understood."
Rodriguez walks out. Carver follows without meeting my eyes.
At the threshold, Eden stops. Looks back.
I don't let myself move. If I do, I'll break.
"Goodbye, Diesel."
She's gone before I can respond.
Maya's already at the SUV, getting Eden settled. Through the window I can see her—rigid shoulders, staring straight ahead.
Maya pauses before climbing in. Looks at me across the yard.
She doesn't say anything. She doesn't have to.
Ash jogs to the Bronco, unhooks the trailer, climbs in. The convoy pulls out—SUV first, then Ash behind them.
Eden's in the back seat. I can see her profile through the window. The set of her jaw.
She doesn't look back.
The vehicles round the bend. Disappear.
I stand on the porch until my legs go numb.
Behind me, the clang of metal. Crow's unloading my bike from the trailer.
He's giving me a minute. I know what comes after.
