Page 84 of Rio's Release

The next evening, the DA gives me a tip the FBI will be raiding Carson’s house at 9pm.

Zig and I get in my pickup and ride over.

We hide in the bushes across the street and watch their team surround the house.

Carson comes to the door, looking surprised as hell. Once the initial shock is over, he gets furious, fighting them and screaming they’ve got the wrong guy.

I smile, and take a few pictures of him being handcuffs and put in the back of a black, unmarked car.

The team carries his computer out along with several boxes.

“Come on,” I nudge Zig and we retreat to my truck and follow the car that takes Carson away. “You make that call?”

“To Channel Five, Channel Nine, and Channel Twelve.”

“Good. I hope he’s got a welcoming committee waiting for him.” I drive across town, following until they reach the policestation. Sure enough, the media is everywhere, cameras rolling as Carson is taken from the car and led inside.

Once he’s in, I drive away.

“Well, that’s done,” Zig says. “This gonna satisfy you?”

“It’s not as sweet as putting him in a grave, but it’ll have to do.”

“You’re not getting soft on me, are you, Prez?”

“I did this for little Bella.”

“I get that. Hopefully, they put him away for a long, long time.”

“They better. I want Shelby to feel safe.”

Zig puts his elbow out the window. “Then we’re gonna have to take care of the DK problem.”

“I know, VP. That’s next on the list.”

By the time I drop Zig off at the clubhouse, it’s after eleven. When I put it in park but don’t shut off the engine, he pauses half out the door.

“You’re not stayin’?”

“Want to give Shelby the news.”

Fifteen minutes later, I turn in her drive, having already sent her a text to let her know I was coming. I’ve got the code for the gate, so I let myself through. By the time I park and climb out of the truck, she’s standing on the covered terrace wrapped in a shawl.

She questions me the moment I reach her.

“What is it? You said it was important.” Worry lines mar her forehead.

I cup her face and kiss her, easing back to study her eyes. “I missed you. Let’s go inside and talk.”

Stepping through the door, I drop my arm around her shoulders and guide her to the sofa. It’s quiet, but there’s a fire burning. A pile of empty boxes sits against the far wall.

“All unpacked?” I ask.

“Almost.”

“Good. Is Bella asleep?”

She nods. “For hours now. It’s late.”

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