Joshua gave a small smile and leaned against his shoulder. “Esther will be fine, baby. I’d bet on her to handle damn near anything.” He leaned back, his gaze steady. “Besides… would it really be in Moreno’s best interest to harm the elected Commonwealth’s Attorney, at a meetingherequested, to offerhisterms? Can youimaginethe response from Charlottesville law enforcement?”
Colin let out a dry, humorless laugh. “You make it sound so logical.” His gaze drifted toward the window. “And you’re probably right. But logic doesn’t sit that well when you’re staring down a group of people who don’t give a damn about consequences.”
Joshua didn’t reply right away. He reached for Colin’s hand, his thumb tracing a slow, calming line across his knuckles.
Colin’s shoulders dipped. “I know she can handle herself. She’s tougher than half the people in that office—including me. But I’ve seen what these people can do. The thought of her walking in there without backup…” He shook his head.
Joshua squeezed his hand. “Then let’s hope this deal gets her out clean—and getsushome.”
One week later
The conference room was a sterile, neutral space, agreed upon in advance. Esther sat at the polished wooden table, her hands folded, her expression unreadable. Across from her, Daniel Larimore lounged in his chair, the picture of smug, controlled ease. He might have been mistaken for a simplecorporate lawyer, but Esther knew better. A glass of water sat untouched in front of her.
Larimore offered her a small smile, the kind that didn’t reach his eyes. “You know, for a negotiation, this feels a bit one-sided.”
Esther arched a brow. “That’s because itis.”
He folded his hands on the table, watching her. “Mr. Moreno has extended a very generous offer. He’s willing to give you the name of Hannibal Barrett’s killer, provide full evidence, and let you close that chapter—for good.” He tilted his head. “In exchange for a second-degree murder plea, of course.”
Esther nodded once. “That’s on the table. Next?”
Larimore’s smugness faded a little. “Mr. Moreno will also neutralize any ongoing threats against Mr. Campbell and his husband. No more unfortunate incidents, misunderstandings, or…accidents.”
She let the words hang, refusing to acknowledge the implied threat.
“We’re listening,” she said.
Daniel’s gaze sharpened. “And in return, the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office will shift its focus. Some investigations will slow down. Your attention will be redirected…elsewhere.”
Esther leaned forward slightly. “Let’s get one thing straight. We aren’t making this deal to protect Elias Moreno. We’re making it to end operations that are even more reprehensible.” She met his gaze, unblinking. “Which is why we have non-negotiables.”
Daniel’s smile didn’t waver, but she saw the flicker of caution in his eyes.
“Go on,” he said.
Esther glanced down at her notepad. “One: Moreno dismantles every operation tied to sex trafficking of minors. Gone. Dismantled. And not just on paper. We want proof:names, locations, financial records, everything.” She leveled him with a cold stare. “Moreno makes that happen, or this conversation ends right now.”
Daniel was silent, then finally nodded. “I believe that’s… manageable.”
She didn’t give him time to recover.
“Two: Moreno turns over a list of corrupt cops and judges on his payroll. We pick who we go after.” She let that settle before adding, “Enough to make this worthwhile. Names with weight. Proof that sticks. No low-level nobodies.”
Daniel let out a slow breath. “That’s… a bit steeper.”
Esther’s voice was cold. “Then I suggest he choose his sacrifices wisely.”
He studied her for a moment. Then, slowly, he leaned back in his chair. “And in return?”
“The Commonwealth deprioritizes some of its lower-level investigations—not all, but enough to free up resources. We don’t stop doing our jobs, but we redirect our focus where it matters more.”
Daniel nodded as if he’d expected this. “And Lexi?”
“He gets a prison transfer to a lower-security facility. Not a get-out-of-jail-free card, but something that makes his sentence less…unpleasant.”
Daniel was quiet for a long time, scribbling on his notepad.
Esther remained silent.
