THE moment Carlson dropped the call on Queen, his phone lit up again — Diego Morales. He let it ring once, twice, before swiping it up, forcing his voice to stay steady.

“Boss.”

Diego’s voice was like ice cracking over a deep lake.

“What is the delay, Carlson? You promised me leverage. I need that girl out now, or did Queen fool you too?”

Carlson’s jaw ticked, his right fist curling so tight his knuckles popped. He swallowed the curse clawing up his throat.

“I know, Diego. I know. She is dragging this out longer than necessary, but I have got her on a short leash. She won’t get away...