Candy nodded, calm again. I did until I learned about Theresa and Lisa. They must have tried to quit, told him off, and when he realized the threat of blackmail wasnt enough…

Candys shoulders shook as she began to sob. What could any of us do? Her voice grew thick with tears. I knew I was powerless to stop a man like Roth, so I ran. I thought maybe if I was on the other side of the planet, he would forget about me. Thats why I lied when you came to my house: I didnt want to give him any incentive to come after me. If I kept my mouth shut, maybe he would leave me alone.

Harley rubbed Candys back. Candy, she said, youre not powerless, and you dont have to run any more. If youll go on record with everything you just told us, we can get you into witness protection. Roth will never be able to hurt you againor anyone else.

Candy said nothing for several moments. Harley waited, afraid Candy would back down rather than stand up to Roth.

Then, just as Harley began to lose hope, Candy nodded and wiped away her tears. Okay. Just promise me youll stop him. Promise me he wont get away with it.

I promise, Harley answered, feeling a sudden glow of relief.

She gave Candy a quick hug, half in comfort and half in gratitude, and then rose. She moved aside as a pair of officers approached to escort Candy away.

I think we should have that sit-down with Roth, Harley said to Callaway. And this time, Im not asking for permission.

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE

When a full minute had passed and the gates still hadnt opened, Harley gestured for the officer to bring forward the enforcer, a battering ram of hardened steel capable of applying more than three tons of impact force.

If Roth isnt going to let us in, she thought, well find our own way.

The officer, equipped with body armor and a helmet, cocked the ram back. But just as he was about to swing it forward, the gates silently swung inward.

Felix was not there to greet them this time, however. The path leading up to the villa was deserted, and for a brief moment Harley worried someone had tipped off Roth that they were comingit wasnt difficult to imagine that a man with his connections could have a mole within the local PD.

She was pleasantly surprised, therefore, when she rolled up to the courtyard and found a party in full swing. Music boomed from the loudspeakers as guests lounged around the pool, sipping martinis. As the police cars swarmed the pool area, the response was mixed. Some of the guests waited, as if confident they had nothing to do with the proceedings, while others rose and looked around in alarm.