Chapter 18 #2
Ethan sat, the weight of what he’d just told them heavy on his shoulders. “I’ll turn over the meeting to Special Agent Patterson.”
Patterson stood at the head of the table.
“As you know, all the information we and Deputy Marshal Butler have been able to gather leads to Rousseau being part of the syndicate but not the boss. We are still actively looking into Draven Frost and his involvement. The syndicate’s tentacles of corruption have reached into every fiber of Renegade’s society and government, and they must be stopped. ”
“What exactly does that mean for us?” Glover asked.
“I’m glad you asked.” Agent Patterson walked to the corner of the table and leaned against it. “Because of the hard work you all have put in and the evidence we were able to collect, we now have solid leads as to who is running this operation.”
The room fell silent, and suddenly everyone began talking in hushed undertones.
Ethan whistled. “Let’s keep the conversation on track. What about Finn Donovan?” Because he didn’t ever want to have to rescue Aubrey again. He’d do it a million times over, but until he knew that Donovan was securely behind bars, he’d watch out for her. And for every day after.
“Donovan was patched up and sent to a supermax prison out in North Dakota. He won’t be making any more appearances,” Special Agent Patterson said. “Well, until his new trial.”
Ethan wasn’t so sure. “How can we be certain? Donovan was able to escape last time.”
Patterson leaned into the table, palms down. “Since you and your team exposed Rousseau and Howard, that shouldn’t be a problem.” He glanced around the table, assessing each member of the team. “Unless we have another marshal who’s willing to break the law.”
Grumbles erupted around the table.
“I’m just saying”—Agent Patterson held up his hands, his black leather jacket creaking—“it happened before, and I’m sure that won’t be the last time.
” He looked each one in the eye. “I’m not questioning your loyalty, otherwise you would be in jail with former Supervisor Howard, waiting for your arraignment hearing. ”
Albright grunted and Ethan had to suppress a grin. The man was a big bear but had a soft spot for sweets—and for Aubrey. Well, they all did.
“In regard to the FBI’s next steps, we’re going to ramp up our investigation here in Renegade and might need the Marshals to assist us.” Patterson turned to look at Ethan, one eyebrow raised.
“Absolutely. You’ll have the full cooperation of the US Marshals Service should you need it.”
Agent Patterson resumed his seat, and Ethan motioned to the detective from Renegade PD. “You all should know Detective Martinelli by now.”
The team nodded.
Martinelli stood. “With the apprehension of Finn Donovan and Supervisor Howard, our focus is now on finding Roger Rousseau and establishing Frost’s involvement.”
Ethan raised his hand. “From the intel we’ve gathered, Roger’s involvement is deeper than we originally thought.”
“That’s correct,” Detective Martinelli said.
“For the past five years, we’ve seen a steady uptick in criminal activity such as drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Renegade isn’t the sleepy town it used to be.
It’s grown into a city, and between the drug deals and murders, our numbers have gotten out of control.
Instead of the Mob, we have the Shadow Syndicate.
They threaten legitimate business owners and have them pay for protection.
If they don’t pay, then the business is robbed or worse.
Many businesses have left downtown because they don’t want to pay to keep their stores open. ”
“What now?” Adam asked.
“It’s only a matter of time before Rousseau’s caught.” Martinelli’s lips thinned. “We will find him and prosecute him.”
“That’s all well and good, but Aubrey mentioned that Roger said he was leaving,” Ethan said.
“Wherever he goes, we’ll find him,” Patterson said with a lethal calmness.
Ethan leaned back in his chair, studying him. “You seem awfully confident, Agent Patterson.”
He crossed his arms, a determined gleam in his eyes. “Because I am. I’ve worked cases like this before, and I’ve been very successful bringing fugitives in.”
“One more question,” Ethan said, nudging the folder away. “Do we have an arrest warrant for Rousseau?”
Patterson nodded. “Signed this morning. Federal arrest warrant. The Bureau will take point on the capture.”
The shift in the room was immediate. Ethan was already reaching for his phone. “Search warrant?”
“Approved,” Patterson said. “Primary residence, outbuildings, and vehicles. Digital devices included.”
“Then we’re green,” Ethan said, rising. “We’ll coordinate with your team and support the takedown. No delays.”
For a beat, no one moved, the collective understanding settling in. Then chairs scraped back and radios crackled as the team sprang into motion.
Ethan cleared his throat. “That’s everything on our end.” He extended his hand. “Agent Patterson, it’s been a pleasure working with you.”
He shook it firmly. “Likewise. And something tells me this won’t be the last time.”
Detective Martinelli stood. “We’ll stay in touch.”
“Absolutely.” Ethan walked them to the elevator, watching as the doors slid shut and the weight of the case finally began to ease from his shoulders.
Liam clapped a hand against his back. “I don’t know about you, but after we back up Agent Patterson, I’m craving the smothered chicken at the Rocky Top Grille. Come with?”
Ethan smiled faintly, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “Can’t. I’ve got airport duty. I’m picking up Aubrey’s parents and her sister. And I promised to check on Mrs. Hanover’s cats.”
“Bummer.”
“I’ll take a rain check,” Ethan said. “If that’s okay.”
Liam grinned. “More than okay. I think we’re making this a weekly Thursday or Friday thing.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” And he meant it. “I’ll definitely be there next time.”
This, this, was the beginning of something new. A life that made room for people. For friendship. For love.
For the first time in a long while, Ethan trusted that God wasn’t finished with him yet.
That His plan was good.