She held up a badge. DEA Special Agent Reeves. Sheriff Dalton, we've been building a case against you for 8 months. Thanks to the evidence Mr. Caldwell collected and the copies the Hells Angels so thoughtfully sent us last night, we have enough to put you away for the rest of your life.
Dalton took a step back, his eyes wild. This is entrapment. This is This is over, Reeves said flatly. You are under arrest for attempted murder, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, racketeering, and about 40 other charges my team is still cataloging. She nodded to two agents who had emerged from the sedan.
Cuff him. My deputies are being arrested as we speak, Reeves interrupted. State police have them surrounded on the highway. Your whole operation is done, Dalton. One of the deputies in the lot made a move toward his vehicle, but three bikers stepped in front of him, arms crossed.
The deputy froze, hands visible. Don't, Clutch said mildly. You ain't got anywhere to run, and we ain't in the mood to chase you.
The agents moved toward Dalton, who backed against his Crown Vic. You can't prove anything. You've got hearsay and fake evidence planted by criminals. We got your bank records, Reeves said. Offshore accounts in the Caymans with deposits matching exactly the amounts listed in Arthur's ledgers.
We've got testimony from three cartel members who flipped the moment we offered them deals. We've got wiretaps of you coordinating shipments. She stepped closer. And we've got you on camera running down a federal informant. So yeah, Sheriff, we can prove it.
The word federal informant sent a ripple through the bikers. Several turned to look at Arthur who grimaced. Surprise, Arthur muttered. 20 years Phoenix PD, five years undercover DEA. Sorry, brothers.
Had to keep that one quiet.
One of the bikers cursed, but there was more admiration than anger in his voice. Five years of church meetings and runs and you never broke character once. He didn't know, Clutch said looking at Arthur. Did he? When you patched in command didn't tell us.
Couldn't risk it, Arthur admitted. The less you knew the safer you were. But everything I did, every ride, every vote, that was real. I meant it. He met Clutch's eyes.
You're my brothers. That wasn't a lie. Clutch studied him for a long moment then nodded slowly. You bled with us. That's real enough.
Dalton lunged suddenly, not for his gun, but for Caleb's truck. His hand closed around the door handle jerking it open. The originals, where are they? Where are the originals? Caleb's hand found the 9 mm under his seat but Arthur was faster despite his injuries.
He crossed the distance in three agonizing steps and slammed Dalton against the truck. You don't touch him, Arthur growled. He saved my life. That puts him under our protection. You so much as breathe on him again and I don't care what badge you wear, there won't be enough left of you to arrest.
Arthur, stand down. Reeves's voice was sharp. We do this by the book. He tried to kill me and he'll spend the rest of his life in prison for it. but we don't give defense attorneys ammunition. Reeves nodded to her agents who finally got the cuffs on Dalton.