“Hundreds of families live down there.”

I kept my hands on her shoulders, letting her feel my weight.

“And that is why Ryan locked you in here?” I asked.

She nodded, fresh tears spilling over her bruised skin.

“I was copying the bank routing numbers from his laptop.”

“He walked into the study and caught me.”

“He took my phone, hit me, and dragged me up here.”

“That was three days ago.”

“They’ve been arguing downstairs about what to do with me.”

She looked toward the open bedroom door, her eyes wide with fear.

“They have Sheriff Mercer in their pocket, Dad.”

“He gets a percentage of the contract money.”

“And they have an influential political guest arriving tonight.”

“The senator is helping them clear the federal inspections.”

“If those files get out, their entire dynasty is ruined.”

“Everyone goes to a federal penitentiary.”

I stood up, gently pulling her to her feet.

“Where are the files now, Emily?” I asked.

She reached down to her left boot.

She pulled a small, black USB drive from the inner lining.