Sheriff Dalton, you have the right to remain silent. This isn't over. Dalton twisted against the cuffs, his composure completely shattered. You think the cartel's just going to let this go? You think they're going to let all of you just walk away?
They'll come for every single person here. They'll burn this whole town, too. One of the agents shoved him into the backseat and slammed the door, cutting off the tirade. The silence that followed was heavy. Reeves turned to Clutch.
The cartel, how much do they know? About the evidence, nothing yet. About Dalton getting arrested. Clutch checked his phone. They'll know in about 20 minutes when it hits the news.
And when they find out, they'll either cut in their losses and ghost, or they'll come looking for loose ends. Clutch's expression was grim. My money's on option two. They got too much invested in this pipeline to just walk away.
Reeves swore under her breath. How many are we talking about? Local crew, maybe eight, 10 guys, but they can call in reinforcements from Sonora. Could be 50, could be 100. Arthur leaned heavily against the truck, his face gray.
They won't come in guns blazing, though. Too much heat. They'll pick people off quiet-like. Make it look like accidents. Starting with the witnesses, Reeves said, looking at Caleb.
You got somewhere safe to go, son? Caleb's mouth was dry. I was leaving town when Dalton showed up. No, Clutch's voice was firm.
You're staying here. Where we can protect you. I can arrange a safe house, Reeves offered. Witness protection protocols. With respect, Agent Reeves, how many safe houses you think the cartel's burned through?
Clutch shook his head. Kid stays with us. We got a clubhouse 20 miles south, reinforced walls, armed guards, and enough firepower to hold off an army. Your safe house got that. Reeves looked like she wanted to argue, but Arthur cut in.
He's right. Cartel's got informants everywhere. Police, marshals, even some feds. No offense. Some taken, Reeves said dryly, but point made.
Caleb stays with you, but I want daily check-ins, and if anything happens, anything, you call me first. No cowboy justice. Scout's honor, Clutch said with a straight face. You were never a boy scout. True, but the sentiment stands.
Vernon had been watching from the shop doorway, his face a mask of terror. Now he stepped forward hesitantly. What about me? My business? They'll come here looking for the kid.
They might, Reeves acknowledged. I can arrange police protection. Yeah, that worked ever so well with Dalton, Vernon snapped. Then catching himself, sorry. I just I got a life here.
Then close up shop for a few weeks, Clutch suggested. Take a vacation, visit family, whatever. Just be somewhere else until this shakes out. Vernon looked at Caleb and something passed between them. Years of shared history, the complicated love of family, and the fear of what was coming.