Chapter 17 - THE CHOICE
Wade's gun pointed at Gabriel.
Gabriel's pointed at Wade.
Harper stood between two histories built on men deciding violence was the fastest answer.
"Don't," she said.
Neither man lowered his weapon.
Wade laughed. "You really think he saved you because he's good? He saved you because your evidence was useful."
Harper looked at Gabriel.
"Lower it."
His jaw tightened.
"Harper-"
"If you want to be different, prove it now."
The rain hammered the pier.
Slowly, Gabriel lowered his gun.
Wade's smile widened.
"Weak."
He raised his weapon.
A federal marksman fired.
Wade's gun flew from his hand as he dropped to one knee, screaming.
Agents swarmed him.
"Martin Wade, you're under arrest for conspiracy, kidnapping, attempted murder, evidence tampering, public corruption, and about twelve other charges I'll enjoy explaining later."
Mrs. Morrison was freed. Harper hugged her hard, then walked to Gabriel.
"You disobeyed the plan."
"Yes."
"You could have gotten everyone killed."
"Yes."
"That's going to be a problem if you keep doing it."
"Noted."
Then Ortiz approached holding the real Ashford ledger in an evidence bag.
"Gabriel, we need to talk."
He looked at it.
"I know."
The ledger buried Gabriel too.
Ortiz said, "Cooperation doesn't erase your crimes."
"I didn't expect it to."
Gabriel looked at Harper.
"No special deals. No missing pages."
He didn't hesitate.
Ortiz nodded.
"Then you're coming with us."
Noah ran from the car where Rebecca had kept him safe.
"Gabriel!"
Gabriel crouched as Noah hugged him.
"Are you going to jail?"
The question hit harder than any bullet.
Gabriel glanced at Harper.
May you like
Then he answered honestly.
"Maybe."
