“The records are locked up in a federal vault,” Richard said.

“And Ethan’s in the back of a transport car headed for the federal courthouse in Nashville.”

“And what about Victoria?” Emily asked.

“She’s in the transport car right behind him,” Richard said.

Emily let her head sink back against the white pillow, her shoulders easing into the mattress for the first time since the afternoon before.

“He told me no one would ever believe me,” she whispered up at the ceiling.

“He bragged that his family owned every judge in the county.”