Page 104 of Second Chance Savior

A couple of days ago, I’d made a similar argument. I’dtold River we should split up, and that I could trust Brynn to protect me. But River and I had come too far. Not just in terms of distance or learning the truth behind this whole mess, but in our closeness. What we felt for one another.

I couldn’t let him go. Not yet.

“Thank you for the offer. But River and I stay together. I’m safer with him than anywhere else in the world. We’ll come in when the FBI and police aren’t considering him a suspect.”

She sighed and nodded. “I figured that’s what your response would be. But I had to try.”

When we got to the garage, River was waiting outside. “Charlie, Jud insists on speaking to you.”

“Did you get what you needed from him?” I asked.

“Partly. He claims he’s willing. But he swears he’ll only tell the rest to you.”

He glanced at Brynn. I shook my head slightly, letting him know I hadn’t told her about the list.

I didn’t want to talk to Jud again. But if Jud refused to give up the list’s location to River, it sounded like I had no choice. We had to get this finished. “I’ll go.”

Brynn crossed her arms. “Can I tag along? I’d love to hear what Mr. Hale has to say.”

“Sorry, B,” I said. “I’ll tell you what I can later on, but this has to remain compartmentalized for now.”

River angled his head toward her. “Jud knows an FBI agent is here. I think that’s why he decided to be stubborn again. He doesn’t know whether to be relieved the Feds have arrived, or terrified. But no offense, Agent Somerton, we’re not ready to turn him over just yet.”

“But youwillturn him over? Not bury him out in the woods?”

River chuckled. “Funny, that’s exactly what I threatened to do. Made him think I was so crazed with jealousy that I’d kill him rather than turn him in.” He slung an arm around me, nuzzling into my neck. “I mean, Iama little crazed with jealousy, but I can rein it in.”

Brynn gave me a look, like she was saying,Really? This guy?

“I will explain everything when I can,” I promised again. “But in the meantime, there’s something you could do for us, Brynn. Take Jud with you when we’re done with him.”

There was a chance Jud would tell Brynn and the FBI about the list. But I planned to offer him a deal so he’d hold that info back. With luck, River and I would get our hands on the list before Jud spilled his secret. And once we had it in our possession, that list would becomeourbargaining chip.

Brynn smoothed a strand of dark hair from her forehead. “I’m happy to help however I can. If I can’t bring you back with me, at least I can arrest that piece of shit so he can start facing some consequences.”

River and I went into the garage, while Brynn said she’d keep an eye on the road. Jud was still tied up, but River had moved him to the ground so he could sit upright against one leg of the work table. Jud brightened when he saw me.

He looked wrung out. Sweaty and exhausted. But I took no pleasure in it. Maybe I wasn’t cut out for vengeance after all. I just wanted this to be over.

“You had something to say to me?” I asked.

“An apology.” Jud’s eyes darted over to River. Part hatred, part fear. “You were right. I didn’t tell you everything.”

“River already shared that much. You have a list of the officials working for Stillwater. We want to know where it is.That’swhat I want, not some half-assed apology.”

Jud licked his dry lips. “I’m willing to bargain. Withyou, the lieutenant governor.”

I stood in front of him and straightened my back, looking down my nose. “Here’s what I can offer. You give us the location of the list. Then, we’ll turn you over to the FBI. And you’ll testify against Stillwater.”

Jud shook his head. “No way. Stillwater would get to me. They’d slit my throat within a day of me being in police custody. If Stillwater knew I was here right now, I’d already be dead.”

“Hmm. A tempting thought. All we have to do is leave you tied up and spread the word that you’re here.Oryou can take what I’m offering.”

“You’re offering me nothing!”

“You’re not in the best position to negotiate.” I nodded at River, who took out his phone and hit play on the video of Jud from earlier. “We’ve got your confession recorded already.”

Jud muttered a curse. He tugged on his restraints in frustration.

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