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“What about the forced marriage?” Grayson asked.

“We witnessed her saying her vows. No judge will give us what we need unless she’s in our custody and willing to testify to the coercion.”

“I bet her father would sign a warrant,” Gray said.

Gavin shook his head. “He’d have to recuse himself with his daughter involved. If he gave us one and this thing eventually went to court, they’d throw the thing out the moment they learned the judge whose daughter was kidnapped issued it.”

“You’re right. It would jeopardize the whole case, but it might save them from what Mason Kennedy has planned.”

“A lifetime of servitude and submission,” Gavin said.

“What on earth are you two talking about?”

“Mason Kennedy is arranging marriages for the women he kidnaps. Or at least he did for Emmaline. And after reading a letter from Samantha’s uncle this afternoon, I learned that the Continental Alliance has been arranging marriages for a very long time. Samantha’s own mother was in one of those forced marriages.”

“You can’t be serious? That’s barbarous.”

“Sure is.”

MasonfoundWardenloungingin the security office with Dennis. “On your feet. Now.”

His head of security stood so quickly he nearly toppled, but the big man took his time obeying the command. It was a sign of disrespect, but there was no time for him to deal with that now. He’d take care of knocking Warden down a few pegs after they had the situation in the dormitory under control.

“One of our guests tonight slipped a pistol to Emmaline which she then passed off to one of the girls in the dorm.”

“Which girl?”

“What does it matter?”

Warden shrugged. “Guess it doesn’t.”

“We need to disarm them before they press the advantage.”

“You do realize they could shoot one of us the moment we open the door.”

“I’m not sure any of those ladies would pull the trigger, but we’ll find out. You’ll go in first.”

Warden chuckled. “I’m not your huckleberry, Mr. Kennedy. Find yourself another patsy.”

Mason narrowed his eyes. “Need I remind you who pays your salary.”

“The CA. Not you.”

“I’m the president of the Continental Alliance.”

“The CA’s president is only ever a vote away from impeachment, and today you voted in three new members all of whom now I have a say and can help vote you out.”

“And how do you suppose Samantha Rollins is going to vote? And who is going to tell the Garrison boys when the votes are scheduled?”

“Have fun dealing with your little gun situation.”

“Get moving or you’re fired.”

“You’re not that stupid, Mason.”

“I’ll deal with you later.” He snapped his fingers. “Dennis, let’s go. First grab a few syringes in case we need to calm down any hysterical women.”

His head of security ambled down the long hall ahead of him stopping at the break room to grab the requested drugs.