Page 31 of Omega’s Fever (Prime Match #2)

“Of course there is.” Melkham waves a hand. “Proceed.”

“New information has come to light regarding this case. Substantial information that materially affects the charges against my client. I’d like to request a brief recess to discuss this with Ms. Sutter before we proceed.”

Sutter’s head snaps up from her papers. “Your Honor, this is highly irregular—”

“So is everything about this case.” Melkham checks his watch. “One hour recess. Whatever this new information is, figure it out. When we return, I want a clear path forward. No more surprises, no more games. Understood?”

“Yes, Your Honor,” we chorus.

“One hour.” The gavel comes down with finality.

The interview room feels smaller with five of us crammed inside. Sutter sits across the table, that sharp smile replaced with interest.

“Talk,” she says, cutting straight to business. “What’s this new information? It better be good.”

Milo pulls out a thick folder, sets it on the table between them.

“Everything you need to convict the real head of the trafficking operation. Financial records showing money laundering through multiple shell companies. Security footage from The Pit showing who actually gave orders. Witness testimony placing Cobb Sewell at the center of everything.”

Sutter’s poker face is good, but not perfect. I catch the slight widening of her eyes at Cobb’s name. “You have proof?”

“Irrefutable proof.” Milo slides a photograph across the table.

“This is from the security system. Date-stamped the night before the raid. Shows Mr. Sewell in the office, destroying evidence. Note my client is nowhere in the frame. We also have records of Sewell’s phone from certain members of the police department the day before. He was tipped off.”

She studies the photo, then looks at Penelope and Damon. “You’re the witnesses?”

“We both worked at The Pit,” Damon says. “We saw everything. Know everyone involved. And we’re willing to testify.”

“I need a bit more than that. It’s just one photo.”

“I’m not giving you everything straight off. I want some guarantees first.”

“What do you want?”

“Witness protection.” Milo doesn’t hesitate. “For all four of us. New identities, relocation, the full package. Non-negotiable.”

Sutter laughs. “You’re asking me to throw away a sure conviction for promises and possibilities?”

“I’m offering you Cobb Sewell on a silver platter.

” Milo leans forward, and I watch him work.

This is what he does, what he’s brilliant at.

“Think about it. What looks better on your record? Convicting some mid-level muscle, or taking down one of the city’s biggest crime bosses?

This is the case that makes careers, Victoria.

The case that gets you a corner office and your name in the papers.

And I have all of it. Physical evidence and digital.

We’ve got it all backed up online and ready to release.

And we’re going to do it anyway. You convict Kellen and we still release the data.

Journalists will have a field day with it, especially if we tell you that we offered it to you and you refused. ”

I can see her thinking, weighing options. “The evidence is admissible?”

“Rock solid chain of custody.” Milo’s lying through his teeth, but he sells it. He has to be. “Everything documented and verified.”

“And Hayes testifies too?”

“Yes.”

Sutter drums her fingers on the table. I can practically see the calculations happening behind her eyes. Risk versus reward. Sure thing versus bigger prize.

“I’ll need to verify the evidence. Take official statements.” She looks at each of us in turn. “If any of this is fabricated—”

“It’s not.” Milo’s voice could cut glass. “Every word is true. Every document is real. You’ll have your case, Victoria. Gift-wrapped.”

Another long moment of consideration. Then: “Fine. Witness protection for all four, contingent on the evidence checking out and testimony at trial. But I need everything. Full cooperation, no holding back.”

“Done.”

“I’ll need a few days to verify everything and set up the protection protocols.” She stands, gathering her papers. “Judge isn’t going to be happy about another delay.”

“He’ll be less happy about convicting an innocent man while the real criminal walks free,” Milo points out.

“Maybe.” She pauses at the door. “This better be everything you’re promising, Warren. Because if it’s not, your client’s going away for life, and I’ll make sure you join him for obstruction.”

“It is.”

She leaves, and for a moment we all just sit there, breathing. Then Penelope makes a small sound that might be a sob or a laugh.

“Did we just do that?”

“We did.” Milo sags against me, and I wrap an arm around him automatically. He fits perfectly against my side, like he was made to be there. “God, I hope we did.”

“You got the evidence?” I have to ask. “Really?”

Something passes between the three of them, a silent communication I can’t read. “We got it,” Milo says finally. “Everything we need.”

There’s a story there, something they’re not telling me. But now isn’t the time. Now we need to face Melkham and hope Sutter sells our deal.

The walk back to the courtroom feels different. Lighter, somehow, even though nothing’s certain yet.

Melkham looks up as we enter. “Please tell me you’ve sorted this out.”

“We have, Your Honor.” Sutter stands, professional mask firmly in place. “The State needs to request a continuance while we investigate new evidence that’s come to light. This evidence potentially impacts the charges against Mr. Hayes.”

“How long?”

“Seventy-two hours should be sufficient.”

“Seventy-two hours.” Melkham looks at Milo. “Defense has no objection?”

“None, Your Honor.”

“Fine. We’ll reconvene Monday morning.” He looks at me, and for the first time there’s something almost like sympathy in his expression. “Mr. Hayes, you’ll be remanded to custody until then.”

“We’re offering protective custody, your Honor,” Sutter interjects.

“Seriously?” Melkham sighs. “Fine but Mr Hayes has already demonstrated a willingness to change his mind at the last minute. He better be here on Monday, nine AM. And people? No more surprises.”

I nod, not trusting my voice. This time when courthouse security comes to get me, it’s for my own protection, not to take me away. We’re almost to the door when I catch movement in the gallery.

Joey Vaughn sits in the back row, phone already out. His eyes meet mine.

Sutter better come through with that protection, and fast. Because if she doesn’t, if she delays or plays games or tries to leverage more from the deal, people are going to die. Milo is going to die.