“She Ran From an Abusive Cop—Then the Most Feared Mob Boss in Boston Saw Her Bruises”

Harper did not want to go to South Station with Gabriel Ashford.

She also did not want to stay behind while someone else opened the locker that had nearly gotten her killed.

So at 1:12 in the morning, she sat in the back of a black SUV with Noah asleep beside Mrs. Morrison and Gabriel across from her.

"You should stay with Noah," Gabriel said.

"No."

"That wasn't an order."

"Good, because I don't take orders well anymore."

"Fair enough."

At South Station, Gabriel sent only one guard inside with them. Harper's hands shook as she slid the brass key into locker 417.

The door clicked open.

Inside sat a gray gym bag.

Harper unzipped it.

Three burner phones. A police evidence envelope. Two passports under names she did not recognize. And a black notebook filled with dates, initials, dollar amounts, and case numbers.

"You stole all this from Derek?"

"No. I found the key in his jacket. I came here once, opened the locker, saw enough to know I was dead if he caught me. I took pictures and put everything back."

"Then why keep the key?"

"Because he started beating me harder the week I found it. I needed leverage."

Gabriel stared at the notebook.

"Leverage only works if the other person believes you'll use it."

"I was trying to get Noah out first."

He turned a page.

His face changed.

Harper stepped closer.

A payment: $75,000.

Then another line.

ASHFORD ROUTE - SOUTH PIER - VERIFIED.

"Elias," he said.