Nate hoped to at least get his phone back long enough to destroy it. Dropping it in his fresh Coke should do the trick. He wasn't sure what else was on the iPhone, but the updated photograph of Marisa alone would be a good first step to getting her caught.

"Don't think so."

"You're really going to do this? Put two people's lives in danger?"

Kopp tilted his head to the side. "You're really going to go to prison to protect a fugitive?"

"She's not guilty." His voice had been loud enough the hostess turned in their direction. He lowered it. "And I'm not going to prison."

"It's a gamble. You may, you may not."

"I thought you feds were supposed to protect the weak."

Kopp leaned forward. "I already told you, I don't think she's guilty. I have my suspicions about who took the money, but I never thought it was her."

"Could've fooled me."

"I know you don't believe me, but I'm trying to help you."

"So help."

"I need to see her."

"Why?"

Kopp took another bite of his sandwich. Nate had the irrational urge to toss the plate across the room like a Frisbee. Instead, he kept his hands still and waited.

"You tell me her daughter and sister have been kidnapped. But for all I know, she's the one in danger—from you. You knew everything everybody else knew. Maybe you're behind all of this."

"You're crazy."

"You just quit your job, right? Sold your house?"

"How did you—?"

"Not a state secret, man." He sipped his water. "So all of a sudden, you don't need a job? Found a way to make money on the side? Like by kidnapping for ransom."

"I didn't take them. Are you insane?"

Not only did the waitress and the hostess look that time, but Sam turned around and glared at him. Nate looked at the table. It was over, and there was nothing Nate could do. At least Marisa wouldn't have to wonder what happened to him. Sam was there, reporting everything.

A familiar feeling of hopelessness washed over Nate as he stood. He held his hands out in front of him, wrists together. "Go ahead. Arrest me."

Kopp took another bite of his Reuben while Nate stood beside their table. He dropped his hands to his sides. He could run, but the only thing worse than getting led out of McNeal's in handcuffs on a Tuesday afternoon in front of God and everybody would be to do it after being tackled attempting to flee.

Sam had turned back around, but he could see her shaking her head violently. He could imagine what had happened. Sam had messaged Marisa, and Marisa didn't want him to get arrested. Unfortunately, Nate didn't see any other options.

Kopp wiped his mouth with his napkin. "Why don't you see what your friend thinks before we do this?"

"What friend?"