She turned to Colin first, pausing for only a heartbeat. “Colin, as we discussed, I want you to take point on the trafficking ring. Federal coordination, victim protection, full oversight. It’s big, and it’s messy. You’re the best person we have to handle it.” She gave him an enquiring glance. “Is Josh on board?”
Colin inclined his head once, tapping the folder. “He is. Shelters and therapists are lined up. It’s all here.”
Her eyes flicked to Norm, who sat beside Colin. “Norm, you’re lead prosecutor on Barrett’s murder. It’s high-profile—media, Feds, everyone will be watching. I want this case airtight. No loose ends.”
“Got it,” Norm said, jotting down notes without looking up.
“Jason,” Esther continued, “you’ll handle the judicial and law enforcement corruption investigations. You’ll report directly to Colin. We need to maintain absolute integrity. No shortcuts. Understood?”
Jason straightened in his seat, eyes alert. “Absolutely. I’ll keep Colin updated on every step.”
“Good,” Esther replied, turning finally to Adilynn. “Adi, you’ll cover the gaps and keep the misdemeanors flowing, and any felonies that fall into the cracks. Keep our docketmoving. The community still needs stability, and I don’t want smaller cases getting lost in the shuffle.”
Adilynn inclined her head briskly. “No problem.”
Esther leaned forward, her palms pressed flat against the table, her voice lowering. “This deal is volatile, and our office will be under scrutiny. No leaks, no drama. If you need help, ask for it. If you see trouble coming, speak up. If you’re contacted byanyone—press, outside counsel, or most particularlyanyonefrom Moreno’s staff—report it to me at once. Understood?”
She stood straight again, eyes meeting Colin’s once more. “Any immediate questions?”
Silence filled the room for a moment before Colin spoke. “Do we have complete cooperation from Moreno’s attorneys?”
“Complete?” Esther gave a dry laugh. “Let’s call it provisional. Trust nothing, verify everything.”
Colin gave a short nod. “Got it.”
As the meeting broke up, Jason turned to Colin, voice cautious. “Hey, boss man, mind if we talk later? I want your input before I dive in.”
“Come by after lunch,” Colin replied, rising. Norm patted Colin’s shoulder as he passed in silent encouragement.
Colin lingered a moment, eyes on Esther. “Thanks,” he said quietly.
Her expression softened slightly. “Eyes on a swivel, Colin. Moreno said you’re untouchable, but don’t let down your guard just yet. Keep your security detail close.”
He gave a tight nod, holding her gaze. “Count on it.”
Before the day ended, Colin had set up a meeting for the end of the week. The attendees: Lucas Donovan, FBI Task Force Leader; Vivian Cortez, DOJ Human Trafficking Prosecutor; Shannon Nash, Charlottesville City Police—and Colin’s good friend. Together, they’d lay out the steps to dismantle the operation, arrest those responsible, and ensure that the young victims had stability, medical care, and support.
Elias Moreno, as part of his deal with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, turned over actionable intel: names, roles, locations, communications, transactions, travel records. His associates, granted immunity, would testify, giving the prosecution an inside line on every facet of the ring.
The week blurred into tense phone calls and late-night sessions. By Friday, Colin was ready—at least on paper. But the responsibility pressed on him like a physical weight.
When he entered the conference room, Lucas Donovan, the FBI task force leader, sat at the end of the table, sleeves rolled up, studying a tablet. Beside him, Vivian Cortez, the DOJ’s lead prosecutor, reviewed a stack of notes, glasses perched low on her nose. Shannon Nash stood by the whiteboard, silently marking bullet points in careful handwriting.
Lucas lifted his head first, eyes sharp. “Colin,” the FBI agent said, extending a hand. “Lucas Donovan, FBI. Good to finally meet you.”
“Likewise,” Colin replied, shaking firmly.
Vivian stood as well, offering a brief smile. “I’ve heard good things, Colin.”
He nodded, eyes serious. “We’ve got a lot to cover. Let’s be seated.”
Shannon stepped away from the board, setting down his marker. He and Colin exchanged a brief smile and an affectionate arm bump. “I figured we’d map out our immediate targets. Elias Moreno’s intel has opened a window—but we all know it won’t stay open long.”
Lucas leaned forward. “Agreed. My teams are ready. Moreno’s given us enough detail to execute simultaneous raids. But timing’s everything.”
Vivian tapped her notes thoughtfully. “Colin, your role will be crucial in securing search warrants and handling witness prep. We need airtight warrants and flawless execution. Can your judges move quickly?”
“I’ve already vetted the ones we can absolutely trust,” Colin answered, eyes steady. “We’ll get the warrants signed as soon as you’re ready.”
