“I can’t do this alone,” I said.

“If I roll in now with federal plates, Wade will cover his tracks,” Marcus said. “He’ll destroy the evidence.”

“What evidence?” I asked.

“Whatever they used to cover up Emily’s death,” Marcus said. “And the deputy.”

“I have a ledger,” I said, my hand touching the thick book inside my jacket. “It lists the bribes.”

“Keep that ledger safe, Daniel,” Marcus said. “But you have to rescue Sophia first.”

“Wade is right here,” I said. “He’s getting ready to move her.”

“Secure the deputy,” Marcus said. “Once she is safe, I can initiate a federal intervention.”

“How much time do I have?” I asked.

“Not much,” Marcus said. “Do what you have to do. I’ll get my team ready.”

The line went dead.

I put the phone back in my pocket and looked toward the cruiser.

Wade threw his cigarette butt onto the wet gravel and stamped it out.

He got back into his cruiser and started the engine.

The headlights flickered on, cutting through the darkness as he turned the car around.