Ethan Vance pace th

as tight w

d, his voice low. "He know

an was running for town

half the town, and he

he know?"

aid. "He says I owe him, or

him w

. "A lot. More than we have.

bare sofa. "My career is o

school sweethearts, engaged to be

f land, the one her grandmother left her

locket, passed do

to be a way

in his eyes. "Unless... unless some

that meant. Ster

n, she would

p breath. "I'l

hand. "Sarah, no

she said. "Fo

Sterling's imposing

e man, with cold ey

s voice like gravel. "To w

l. "I'm here ab

e ambitious young man. He

eal," Sarah said. "

ed. "And what could a litt

s land on his desk. Then, she unclas

trembling slightly. "And this loc

t. "A pretty trinket." He looked at the de

gleam in his eyes. "But perhaps.

for

ng said. "Until the debt is clea

erling's notorious sweatshops made

she said.

. "Excellent. Your young man will

ld Ethan, he

"You saved me, Sarah!

cessful, I'll come back for you. We'll have that comforta

s promise. It was the only t

ved him.