You're supposed to be in the hospital. I was. Got boring. Arthur eased himself onto a stool, wincing. Besides, wanted to thank you proper.
You saved my life. You already thanked me. Not enough. Arthur pulled something from his pocket, a small leather wallet. He opened it to reveal a badge, DEA special agent Arthur Caldwell.
25 years in law enforcement, five of them undercover with some of the most dangerous men in the country. And I almost bled out on a highway because I got cocky, because I thought Dalton wouldn't actually pull the trigger. He didn't. He ran you down. Semantics.
Arthur smiled sadly. Point is, you didn't have to stop. You didn't have to help. But you did. And that choice, that split-second decision to be a good person when it would have been easier to walk away, that's what brought down Dalton's entire operation.
That's what's going to bring down Cordero. Cordero's still out there. Not for long. Arthur's expression hardened. We got word today.
Mexico's cooperating. They've got him boxed in near Hermosillo. Mexican federales and DEA are moving in tonight. Caleb's heart leaped. Really?
Really? By morning, this will all be over.
Arthur stood, extending his hand, and you'll be free to leave. Live your life. Though, he paused. Clutch wanted me to mention something. What?
We got a custom bike shop in Phoenix. Real high-end stuff. Builds for celebrities, professional riders. Owner's looking for a talented mechanic who can also do design work. Arthur's eyes twinkled.
Job pays $70,000 a year plus bonuses. Full benefits. Apartment included. Caleb's jaw dropped. Are you serious?
Dead serious. You earned it. You want it, it's yours. I I don't know what to say. Say yes, or say you need time to think.
Either way, the offer stands. Arthur gripped his shoulder. You got a future, kid. A real one. Don't waste it fixing junkers in the middle of nowhere.
That night, Caleb couldn't sleep. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling, thinking about Phoenix. About a real job, a real life. About leaving behind the auto shop and the trailer and the small suffocating world he'd known for 19 years. His phone buzzed at 2:00 a.m.
Agent Reeves, it's done. Cordero in custody, no shots fired. You're safe. Caleb read the message three times before it sank in. Safe.