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Rebel Navarro house

Titusville, Virginia

Friday evening

Rebel thanked her and gave Ethan Merriweather a beer, Joanna a white wine, and Autumn and Tash iced tea, with lots of lemon.

“As I said, my cheering section,” Rebel said, and hugged Tash against his side.

The doorbell rang. Rebel excused himself and walked to the front door.

The two FBI agents stood outside, holding up their creds to him, their faces grim.

Briggs stepped forward. “You’re under arrest, Mr. Navarro, for wire fraud and conspiracy.”

Briggs said, “Stay out of this, Sheriff. This is a federal matter.”

“I would like to see your warrant and your credentials,” Ethan repeated, his hand still out.

“That’s right. As you see, Sheriff, everything is in order. We’re taking Mr. Navarro to Philadelphia, where he’ll be questioned.”

Rebel wished his hands weren’t zip-tied behind him and he could hug Tash, but he couldn’t. “Listen, Tash, it’ll be all right. We’ll get this straightened out before you know it.”

Rebel shook his head. “Not a criminal lawyer, no. I don’t think my literary attorney would be of much use.”

Briggs snorted, pulled Rebel to his feet. “Let’s go.”