Norm nodded. “The judge can give five to forty years. But it’s not automatic life, and no chance for capital.”
Esther bristled. “That’s a hell of a deal for a hitman.”
Norm was blunt. “We could push for more, but Larimore says this is it. No deal, no confession. And we both know the odds of convicting Lexi directly are next to nothing.”
Colin stared at the table, then looked up. “So, the boss’s brother gets to keep his hands clean. His guy takes the fall, but only for second-degree?”
Norm nodded. “That’s how it plays.”
Esther’s eyes narrowed. “And if we turn it down?”
Norm shrugged. “Then we get nothing. The trail goes cold. Elias stays out, and we bury another body without answers.”
Colin exhaled, frustration simmering. “If we don’t take it, Hannibal gets no justice at all. If we do, Lexi skates—again. But at least we get the shooter off the street.”
Esther shook her head. “It’s a compromise, but it’s something. We’ve watched too many walk for nothing.”
Colin leaned toward her. “It’ll stick in my throat, but I’ll back your call, Esther.”
“So noted. Let’s ensure that every word of that confession is included in the public record. Let Elias sweat.”
Norm continued. “Second, review Lexi Moreno’s prison conditions. Possible transfer to medium security.”
Colin gave a dry snort. “We figuredthatwas coming.”
“And last—he wants the heat off his business. Law enforcement pulls back unless there’s an ironclad cause.”
A silence stretched between them. Colin finally let out a breath. “That sounds like a shakedown.”
Norm didn’t disagree. “Not a surprise. We knew Moreno would want us off his back.”
Esther leaned back, folding her arms. “He’s offering a killer and your safety, Colin. It’s leverage, but it’s not a gift.”
“No,” Colin agreed, “but it isn’t nothing.”
Norm fixed his gaze on Esther. “They want you at the next meeting. With Elias’s lawyer. Neutral ground, same rules.”
Colin straightened, jaw clenched. “Absolutely not. Esther?—”
Norm cut in. “We need you, Esther. This is how it has to go.”
Esther considered, then nodded. “Set it up.”
“Esther, no!” Colin cried, shooting to his feet.
“Sit your ass down!” Esther snapped. “I don’t need your protection, Colin. I know what the hell I’m doing!” She leaned toward the two men. “There are other options on the table here. I have a long list of concessions I can try to get from Moreno—the dismantling of Lexi Moreno’s goddamn sex trafficking ring for one!”
“Esther…” Colin began, but she waved off his protest and got to her feet.
“Norm, set up that meeting!”
At the Omni that night,Colin paced back and forth in front of the large living room windows, stopping now and then to peer down at the streets of Charlottesville some seven stories below. Joshua let him work through his obvious restlessness in silence, watching the tension play out in every tight movement.
Finally, Colin turned, arms folded across his chest. “Esther’s meeting with Moreno’s lawyer tomorrow,” he said. “He says Elias’s ready to offer terms. If they’re acceptable… we might be able to go home.”
Joshua nodded, then took Colin’s arm and led him to the couch. “That sounds like good news, but I can tell you’re still carrying the weight of it.”
Colin stared down at the floor, his jaw tight. “We’re dealing with a violent criminal organization,” he muttered. “One that’s already murdered people in this city—and wouldn’t think twiceabout doing it again.” He shook his head and blew out an angry breath. “I don’t like the idea of her going in there alone.”
