Chapter 77

• The courthouse smelled like dust and rust. Every step echoed too loud, like the building itself was holding its breath.
• Lucia’s heart was in her throat. Ryan walked a half step ahead of her, his gun already in hand. Jeff had begged them not to do this alone, but Ryan didn’t trust anyone else anymore.
• The Broker had staged it perfectly. The old courtroom lights were still working, but dim, throwing shadows across the cracked wood. And right there.. tied to the judge’s bench.. was Ethan. His head hung low, face battered, a swollen eye barely open.