“The Sterling Equestrian Center. That’s where he keeps his real ledger, and that’s where he ruined my life.”

I looked down at Vesper’s ears, which were pinned back.

She was warm and breathing heavily, but her eyes were bright.

“We need to go to the facility,” I said. “That’s where Sterling is hiding.”

Suddenly, a phone buzzed inside the pocket of the captured driver.

The screen lit up the damp interior of the truck’s cab, displaying a single name.

Gregory reached into the cab and pulled out the vibrating phone.

He held it under the flashlight beam.

The screen read: *Sterling*.

Dante took the phone from Gregory’s hand.

He pressed the button and held it to his ear, but he did not speak.

A sharp, impatient voice came through the speaker.

“Are the trucks secured?” Sterling asked.

“We are running out of time, and Marco says the road is clear.”

Dante cut the call without saying a word.

He looked up at me, his face carved from shadow.

“Marco is with him,” Dante said.

“Then they are both at the stables,” I said.