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the occasional comment to anyone who would listen. The media covered the area, eating up the conflict and occasional outbreak of violence.
    Local police had things under control.
    For now.
    A little less than a week before the trial, and it had already started. Ricardo de Lugo may be a mobster, but he also funded numerous charitable organizations and did his best to put up a respectable front.
    Most unaware citizens fell for his charade and were now outraged that he’d been arrested.
    Law enforcement knew the truth.
    After flashing her badge to the security guard, Carly pulled into the underground parking garage where the general public was blocked from entering. “Let’s get what you need and get out. That crowd looks like it could turn very nasty at any moment.”
    â€œFine. I just need to get into my office.”
    Another car pulled into the spot beside Carly’s, and Mason climbed out.
    â€œThis shouldn’t take long.”
    Mason nodded. “You two go ahead. I’ll bring up the rear.”
    With Carly in the front, Nick behind her and Mason keeping watch behind him, the three made their way into the building and down the hall.
    A lone janitor ran a mop across the floor. Two security guards patrolled inside.
    Carly took in the details, registering them in her mind even as her eyes swept side halls and closed doors.
    Finally, they came to the door that opened into his secretary’s area. Stepping inside, led the way past the empty desk. Then stopped. “Where’s your secretary?”
    A frown furrowed his brow. “I don’t know. She’s usually here by the time I get here—and that’s when I’m on time. Today I’m unusually late.”
    Carly looked at Mason, and he said, “I’ll find her.” Before he could get on the phone, a figure entered and came to an abrupt halt.
    â€œOh, Judge Floyd, there you are.” The slender, fifty-something woman looked at each person invading her space. Then she said, “Is something wrong?”
    Nick took the lead. “I’m going to be out of the office for a while, Jean. I just need to get some files, and then I’ll be out of your hair.”
    She blinked at him, clearly dumbfounded. “Out of the office? When the de Lugo case is coming up? Are you out of your mind?”
    Carly bit her lip in amusement at Nick’s consternation and waited for him to explain. He blew out a breath and said, “I need to take my family somewhere safe until the trial….”
    Realization dawned on her features. “You’re going into hiding because of the threats.”
    She was sharp. Of course, she’d been questioned about the letter he’d received yesterday. Was it just yesterday? It felt like a lifetime.
    Nick nodded. “Yes.” He waved toward Carly and Mason. “These are two U.S. Marshals assigned to keep me safe until the trial.” He made the introductions, and Jean smiled and shook their hands. “They want me in a safer place than this.” He paused and shrugged. “And because of the kids, I’m taking the advice of the professionals.”
    His secretary nodded, her salt-and-pepper bun bobbing. “Good. What files do you need? I’ll be glad to get them for you.”
    Nick held up a hand. “No, I know exactly where everything is. I’ll get them. And I’ll be accessible.” He looked at Mason. “Can you give Jean a number to call in case she needs to get in touch with me?”
    Mason hesitated. “It might be better if you just call from my encrypted cell phone on a regular basis to check in.That way if someone questions her, she can honestly say she can’t get in touch with you.”
    Nick said, “But if you’re pushed or feel threatened in any way, you let them know that I’ll be calling in, all right?”
    Her eyes narrowed, and she waved a hand. “All right, then. Now, if you don’t need me,