"Move on what?" I ask.
"On Graves. They have enough for arrest warrants based on Traci's testimony, the contractor confessions, and the financial evidence." Cara's voice is tight with controlled intensity. "But they need Traci to give formal testimony in person. In Anchorage. Tomorrow."
The hallway goes silent.
Tomorrow. Less than twelve hours from now. Taking Traci to Anchorage means exposing her on the road, putting her in a federal building where anyone could be compromised by Graves's network. It means trusting systems that already failed her once.
But it also means ending this. Putting Graves in custody where he can't send more contractors, can't threaten Traci, can't continue running a trafficking empire from behind a federal badge.
Eli's already in tactical mode. "Security protocols?"
"Full federal protection. Marshals escort, secure facility, victim advocate present during testimony." Cara meets his eyes. "They're taking this seriously, Eli. They know what's at stake."
"When do they want to leave?"
"Early morning. Before dawn." Cara's jaw tightens. "They want to move while Graves's remaining assets are still regrouping from tonight's assault."
I look at Eli. See him calculating distances, threat vectors, exposure windows. Running the same tactical scenarios he's been running since Traci arrived.
"We need to tell her," I say quietly. "She deserves to know what's coming."
"She's asleep," Eli says.
"Then we wake her up." I keep my voice firm. "Because this is her choice. Her testimony. Her decision about whether she's ready to face Graves's lawyers and the federal system that failed to protect her the first time."
Eli studies my face, then nods once. "Together."
We head to the infirmary. I knock softly on Traci's door.
"Traci. It's Helena. Federal prosecutors are here. We need to talk."
Silence. Then the lock clicks and the door opens.
Traci stands there in sleep clothes, hair mussed, eyes wary. Reading our expressions for signs of threat or safety or whatever truth we're about to deliver.
"Federal prosecutors want you to testify," I tell her gently. "In Anchorage. Tomorrow morning. They have enough evidence to arrest Graves, but they need you to give formal testimony to make the case solid."
She processes this. Then reaches for her notebook.
Will it end this? Will he go to prison?
"If your testimony holds up, yes." Eli's voice cuts in, flat and direct. "But testifying means Anchorage. Lawyers trying to break your story. Systems that didn't protect you before."
Traci's hand trembles as she writes.
I want him to pay. For everything he did. Everything he put me through.
"Then you testify," I say quietly. "And we'll be with you every step."
She looks between us. Searching for certainty in an uncertain situation. Then she nods once, sharp and decisive.
I'll do it.
Outside the window, Alaska stretches into darkness. Somewhere out there, Simon Graves is gathering what remains of his network. Maybe planning another assault, another attempt to eliminate the witness who can destroy him.
But tomorrow, before he gets another chance, we're taking Traci to Anchorage. Putting her in front of federal prosecutors who finally have enough evidence to bring down a decorated U.S. Marshal running a trafficking empire.
Tomorrow, this ends... one way or another.
