The doorbell rang before Dawson could make a smart remark. He used the couch for support in order to get to his feet, as Raymond answered the door. Voices carried from the foyer, and he immediately recognized Chief Garcia’s low timbre. Concern vibrated through him, and he shared a glance with Peyton. They were having a cookout this afternoon, but guests weren’t expected to arrive for another hour.
Ellen came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. “Chief Garcia! Welcome.” She offered him a brilliant smile, not at all ruffled by his early arrival. Dawson’s mother adored guests, no matter the hour. “Can I offer you something to drink?”
“No, thank you, ma’am. Maybe in a bit.” Chief Garcia removed his cowboy hat, his attention darting toward Peyton and Dawson. “Sorry to drop by early, but I had an update on the case and wanted to share it before the event this afternoon.”
“Come in.” Dawson waved a hand toward the couches. He suddenly felt edgy. “Have a seat.”
Raymond and Ellen discreetly disappeared into the kitchen. Chief Garcia settled into the large armchair, while Peyton and Dawson took the couch. Lilia perched next to them, holding Grace close to her. She looked tense, and Peyton reached out to lightly touch her cousin’s arm in a comforting gesture. Lilia took her hand and held it.
“Well, first, let me say that I appreciate y’all’s patience while you let our department and the ATF piece together what happened.” Chief Garcia settled his hat on the coffee table.“I'll start with Ricky. His real name is Richard Mercer. He was a legitimate ATF agent, embedded with the Iron Serpents for nearly three years. A series of events happened in quick succession.”
He held up a finger as he ticked them off. “The murder of the accountant, Walter Jennings. Lilia stole evidence of the criminal operation along with two million dollars from Cade before disappearing. And the sudden arrival of Marvis Harrison, who claimed to be the legitimate and rightful leader of the Iron Serpents.” Chief Garcia lowered his hand. “By this time, Ricky had become corrupted by the money flowing in and out of the biker gang. He’d also been pretending to be loyal to Cade for years as part of his undercover work, and knew Cade would never tolerate paying anyone a large sum of money, no matter what was at stake. So…he turned his attention to Marvis.
“Marvis was desperate to take down Cade. Desperate enough to make a secret agreement with Ricky. They would find Lilia and Grace. When they did, Ricky would get the two million dollars Lilia stole, and Marvis would use the evidence and Grace to blackmail Cade into stepping down.”
Dawson’s gut churned with disgust. He’d already guessed some of the story. “Let me guess, Ricky couldn’t find Lilia.”
“No. Not until Marvis and Bobby saw her at Sandra’s house. Marvis called Ricky, who knew he had to act fast.” The chief’s expression softened with sympathy as his gaze went to Lilia and Grace. “Ricky figured you wouldn’t drive to Peyton’s, since you’d be worried about the Iron Serpents following you, and there are only so many places in Knoxville to hide.”
“They ambushed me at the train depot,” Lilia said softly, her voice haunted. “I was lucky to have hidden Grace before they found me. Ricky took off with me in my car, but ordered the guys with him to grab Grace.” She hugged her baby closer. “I was scared they’d find her.”
Peyton bumped her shoulder against her cousin’s. “But they didn’t. Cuz I was there.”
“Hey, you can’t take all the credit,” Dawson protested. He waved a hand. “Hello…I was there too.”
Peyton grinned at him. “No one likes a braggart, Graham.”
Everyone laughed.
Chief Garcia waited until the room settled, and then continued. “What Marvis didn’t know was that Ricky intended to double-cross him. Once he had the money and the evidence, his plan was to eliminate Marvis and Lilia, turn the evidence over to the ATF while secretly pocketing the money. He intended to walk away a hero. Decorated agent brings down a major criminal organization. No one would've questioned it.”
Dawson could hardly believe his ears. Nothing was worse than someone who betrayed their oath to serve and protect. “Except he couldn’t do that without the evidence.”
“Correct. Every attack after that—the hotel, the highway, the sniper—was Marvis either trying to recover the evidence or an attempt to frame Cade, so we would keep the pressure on him. Ricky stayed in the shadows, letting Marvis take the risks while spying on Cade for him. He also kept feeding the ATF just enough intelligence to maintain his cover.” The chief’s expression hardened. “He purposefully provided false information and specifically said that our meddling in the Iron Serpents was enough to ruin the whole op.”
Peyton shook her head. “That’s why SSA Fallon was so upset in your office.”
The chief nodded. “Yes, Ricky lied to his handler about Lilia’s disappearance, so when SSA Fallon informed us that the Iron Serpents didn’t have her, he thought he was telling us the truth.”
“He was playing everyone.”
“Yes, and it nearly worked. Thankfully, it didn’t. After Ricky finishes recovering from his cracked skull, he’ll be escorted to anice cell to live out the rest of his days. Cade and Marvis too. Using the evidence Lilia stole, along with the arrests from the ranch ambush, we have enough to completely dismantle the Iron Serpents. All of them are going to prison.” Chief Garcia gave them an appreciative look. “Y’all have been through a lot, but I hope knowing it brought down an entire criminal organization gives you some measure of peace.”
Lilia looked ready to cry. “Thank you, sir.”
“No, thank you. Your bravery and willingness to do the right thing put this in motion.” Chief Garcia rose. “Now, if you don’t mind, I believe I smell your momma’s peach cobbler. I might steal a bit for myself before all the other guests arrive.”
He left the room. Dawson shared a worried glance with Peyton. A single tear slipped down Lilia’s cheek.
Peyton tilted her head to catch her cousin’s gaze. “Lilia, hon, are you okay?”
“It’s over.” Her lips curved up into a smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. “I just…I’m relieved. Of course I am. We’re all safe now, and that’s wonderful. But…”
“But?”
Her shoulders sagged. “There’s no more reason to stay here. On the ranch.” She pressed her cheek against Grace's curls. “I know it sounds silly, but these last two weeks have been the happiest I can remember. Ellen teaching me to cook and helping me study for my GED. Raymond reading to Grace every night. All the kiddos running around, and people just popping by. Attending church all together.” Her voice thickened. “I’ve never had this. A big family. People who actually want you around. It's like being wrapped in a warm blanket, and I'm not ready to give it up.”
“Then don’t.” Dawson leaned forward, knowing this was the perfect time to share his secret. “I spoke to my mom and dad about it a few days ago. There’s a set of empty cottages on thewest side of the ranch. We rent them out sometimes in the summer to people looking to stay in Knoxville while visiting family, but otherwise they’re empty. We’d like to offer one to you and Grace, Lilia. You are welcome to stay as long as you like.”
