It depends on how backed up the IG is.”

He shut the folder and looked directly at me for the first time.

“You’re in a fight, Hayward.

Make sure it’s one worth winning.”

I drove out to Highway 29 in the dark.

The Motel 6 sign buzzed orange across the windshield.

Room 114 had a sagging double bed, a TV bolted to the dresser, and a standing air conditioner that smelled of rust.

I dropped the bags on the floor.