Page 40 of Vargan

A long pause. "Okay," he says finally, his voice small.

I end the call, meeting Victor's approving gaze.

"Very convincing," he says. "You might have a future in acting, Savannah."

"Are we done?"

"Almost." He stands, buttoning his suit jacket. "I'll need a formal statement for the Shadow Ridge Gazette, announcing your support for—"

"Vargan's freedom first," I interrupt. "I'll write whatever you want once he's clear."

Victor sighs theatrically. "So distrustful. Very well. We'll drive to the jail together and ensure your friend is released. Then we'll return here to complete our business."

"Fine."

Twenty minutes later, we're parked across from the small sheriff's office that serves as Shadow Ridge's jail. Victor insists I stay in the car while he goes inside. Through the windows, I can see him speaking with Sheriff Dawson, the two men nodding in agreement. My hands are clammy, my heart racing. This is really happening. I've traded everything I have for an orc I've known for barely a week.

And I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

My heart pounds against my ribs as I wait, every second stretching into eternity. What if this is a trick? What if Victor never intended to free Vargan at all?

Then the door opens, and Vargan emerges, his massive frame dwarfing the sheriff beside him. He looks unharmed but wary, his eyes scanning the street until they land on Victor's truck—on me in the passenger seat.

His expression shifts from confusion to alarm as Victor approaches him, saying something I can't hear. Vargan shakes his head, taking a step back.

I can't wait any longer. I throw open the car door, rushing toward them.

"Vargan!" I call. "It's okay. You're free to go."

He looks at me, amber eyes searching mine. "What did you do?" he asks, voice low and dangerous.

"What I had to," I answer simply.

"She's made an exceptionally generous sacrifice on your behalf," Victor says smoothly. "I suggest you don't waste it by lingering in Shadow Ridge. You won’t want to be here when New York arrives."

Understanding dawns in Vargan's eyes, followed by a rage so profound it makes me take an involuntary step back.

"You sold yourself to him," Vargan growls, the words barely human.

"No," I say quickly. "Just the diner. The farm. It's just property, Vargan."

Just the culmination of my family's dreams. Just everything I've fought for. Just my home, my livelihood, my identity.

"And for a good cause," Victor adds, enjoying the moment far too much. "Now, Ms. Greene, we should return to my office to finalize—"

"Savvy's not going anywhere with you," Vargan interrupts, stepping between us. "Whatever deal you made, it's off."

Victor's smile doesn't slip. "I'm afraid that's not how this works. Papers have been signed. Announcements made. And if you don't leave town immediately, I'll simply call the law myself and tell them exactly where to find you."

Vargan's fists clench at his sides, his entire body vibrating with barely contained fury. For a moment, I think he might attack Victor right there, in front of the sheriff's office.

"Vargan," I say softly, touching his arm. "Please. There's a team waiting for you at the junction of Highway 16 and the old logging road. They can't wait long."

His eyes snap to mine. "You spoke to Hammer?"

I nod. "Your phone. Willie figured out the passcode."

Something like pain crosses his features. "Savvy, I can't leave you here with him."

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