“Something they’ve been doing with their laws for centuries. Putting people in prison for their debts. For refusing to follow their rules. All for a system to enslave their real hostage—the land and the creatures that live on it.”

Donny considered that calculus. He thought about the dead fish, the vanishing bees, the silence of the mornings once filled with song.

“I should have known you would actually stoop to helping those criminals,” said Percy. “Probably desperate to make a quick buck. Are you using again? You look like hell.”

“It’s more complicated than that.”

“That’s what you always say.”

“Yeah, well, this time I mean it.”

“I’m sure. I bet you have a great story of why you had to betray us again so you could save your own ass.”

Her eyes had him even more nailed than the words she said.

“You say you want real justice,” he said. “Well, so do I. Remember Slider’s case? The mess you and Miles left me to sort out?”

She knew.

“I have it nailed. With just one little catch. Well, two.”

“Come clean with me, Donny.”

He looked at her hands. At her strong arms. At those eyes, which could see through bullshit.

He told her the whole deal. About Slider. About his debts. About Carol. About his pitch to Lou. And Lecker.

“I really thought I could put together a settlement that would actually help you,” he said.

“Well, Slider’s dead, Donny. Which you already know. It’s sad, but at least he was fighting for the cause. I know other people here who lost loved ones in those camps, or were on the list and survived, but I don’t think any of them will want to work with you. Not after what you’ve done. As for putting together a deal, that’s not how we work. We don’t compromise on the principles that matter.”

“What if I got them to put up a bond, in exchange for you letting Heather go?”

“You’re assuming she wants to go.”

“Can I talk to her at least?”

“I don’t know. Not right now. I don’t even have time to screw around with you. I need to go attend to the problems you’ve already caused.” She paused. “If we let her go, can you release the funds?”

Donny shifted in his chair.

“We also need to deal with the seeds,” he said.

“Do you even understand what you’re talking about? The world is starving, and you walk in here like the fucking waiter bringing the bill to the people in the alley begging for leftovers? I should just give you back to the guards and let them take you to the swamp.”