The owner double took in surprise, and then turned to Alan who chuckled.

‘Make that two,’ Alan said, walking towards the neighbouring barstool. ‘And I’ll make sure we cover the damages.’

With the gun still locked firmly in his hands, the owner shot both men glances before shrugging and putting the weapon down on the back counter. He returned with two bottles of beer as Alan took his seat and Sam lifted his bottle to Alan.

‘I’m not here to ruin your investigation,’ Sam said firmly, as Alan clinked his bottle.

‘I believe you,’ Alan said. ‘I ran a background check and I know you aren’t affiliated with either the Riders or Vasquez.’

‘Then why the hell are you trying to arrest me?’

Alan took a long swig of beer.

‘Because despite whatever good intentions you think you have, you’re still a wanted man. I read the files. Yeah, you took down a lot of bad people. Put a lot of them in the dirt. But this ain’t the wild west, Pope. There’s a way of doing things and I can’t have you mess this up when we are so close.’

‘We?’

‘Sinclair and I.’

‘And Alex?’

Alan raised his eyebrow.

‘What about her?’

‘She’s your person on the inside.’ Sam read the blank expression on Alan’s face. ‘He didn’t tell you?’

Clearly seething, Alan took another sip of his beer.

‘He said he had someone on the inside, but I figured it was a Rider.’

‘Not an innocent woman, like Alex?’ Sam shook his head. ‘A woman he has manipulated into coming here?’

‘What the fuck are you talking about?’

‘The promise I made to Alex, the reason I’m here, is to help her get her brother and sister back. Sinclair has used that as leverage, and now he has her in that place, feeding him information and putting her life in danger.’ Sam could see the anger and confusion bubbling within Alan. ‘I promised I would help her, and I intend to.’

‘This case…it’s big.’ Alan spoke, trying to convince himself. ‘Whatever Sinclair has done, I’m sure it was necessary. But you being here, it’s only going to put her in more danger.’

‘Well, she said it will be over after tonight.’

‘Tonight?’ Alan sat up in surprise.

‘How much do you actually know?’

Alan took the final swig of his bottle and slammed it down on the bar.

‘Not fucking enough.’ He stood, nodded a thank you to the owner, and made a mental note to ensure the man received ample compensation. ‘So why don’t we go and find out?’

‘Now we’re talking.’ Sam smiled, finishing his beer and following Alan to the door. As he stepped through, Alan rested a hand on his shoulder.

‘And if you try anything, and I mean anything, that will stop me bringing down the Riders, I will shoot you. Understood?’