Page 17 of Sweet Sin

Leif Ramsey, an ex-Navy SEAL who’s been to a real war.

I need him on my side.

6

SAVANNAH

Several months earlier…

“You know what to do,” my father’s associate, Gunnar, says as he shoves the folder at me.

I simply nod.

I know better than to reject this proposal. I’ve been here before. And others have paid the price.

They won’t hurt me.

They wouldn’t dare hurt the granddaughter of the boss.

I open the file folder.

“Sasha Munoz,” I say, more to myself than to Gunnar.

“Yeah. She gets out on parole next week. You go to the prison to meet with her today.”

I scan her file. “Moving a controlled substance. Possession of a controlled substance.”

“Yup. We need her back at work. So you’ll be signing off on her documents, no matter what.”

I draw a breath and nod. “Whatever you say.”

“Good.”

“This is only the second woman I’ve seen working for you in the organization.”

“She’s good. She keeps her emotions at bay. Most women can’t do that.”

I can.

But I don’t say the words.

If I let my emotions rule me, I’d be throwing a tantrum right now. Letting my anger out and telling Gunnar what he can do with Sasha Munoz and her file.

I close the file folder. “Consider it done.”

Miles nods, but he says nothing. Not even a quick thank you. He leaves my cubicle.

Another day in the life of Savannah Gallo, parole officer.

Most days I go about my job, helping new parolees get back on their feet, see that they become productive members of society.

Until Gunnar, or someone else from my father’s organization, walks in with a file.

Then I bend the rules.

I turn a blind eye, look the other way.

I’ll meet Sasha Munoz today at the prison, and then I’ll never see her again. Someone else will come to the appointments. Someone else will sit in my office for the hour-long conversation. Someone else will go to her therapy appointments.

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