She counted off on her fingers. “So let’s see, that’s at least half a dozen murders in addition to the federal drug charges. And on top of that we have reason to believe that you’re holding two federal agents here against their will.”

“What?” Tyree snapped.

“Right, I forgot to tell you that part. Where are they? One answers to the name Joe Knox, the other John Carr.”

Annabelle studied him closely. The man was a good poker player, but she saw the truth simply in how his blinking kicked up a notch and his fingers quivered just a hair.

“These accusations are ridiculous. And where’s your proof?”

“Our proof will be when we search this place and find our two agents. And the rest of the puzzle is coming together quite nicely. And when we nab the judge we’ll have our key witness against you.”

“You can’t search this place without a warrant.”

“Oh, we’ll have a warrant. By the crack of dawn tomorrow morning. And just in case you get a hankering to travel anywhere, we have a roadblock set up. So don’t even think of trying to slip them out that way. And leave the chopper grounded. Because we’ve got two of our own waiting to lift off the moment yours does.”

Annabelle leaned down close into the man’s sweating face. “By the way, we’re well aware of your rep as being an asshole to every con that’s ever walked through these doors. You like dishing out the pain, little man? Well, after your conviction, our strong recommendation to the correctional folks will be that wherever you go you’re to be placed in the general prison population. Might save the Commonwealth the cost of an execution. Get my drift?”

“How dare you!” Tyree suddenly moved to strike Annabelle, but a massive hand was placed on his arm by Reuben.

“I would not advise that,” the big man said. “Because then they’ll have to shoot you.”

Tyree looked around to see Harry and Alex pointing pistols at his head.

Annabelle said, “We’ll see you bright and early tomorrow morning, Howie. Oh, and if I were you, I’d definitely get my affairs in order.”

Chapter 78

CHAPTER 78

“THEY’RE COMING,” Stone said.

He and Knox stood and backed against the wall as the pounding of the approaching boots echoed down the hall.

“I hope you’re right about what you saw,” Knox said nervously.

“Cuff slot!” a voice barked.

Stone started forward but Knox stopped him.

“This one’s mine. They tend to kick the crap out of the first guy. Guess they run out of energy.”

“Joe, you don’t have to do that.”

“Why should you have all the fun?”

Knox backed to the door and put his hands through the slot. Someone grabbed them and pulled hard, causing Knox’s head to slam back against the door.