My 6-year-old granddaughter phoned me in panic just after midnight. “Mommy says the baby is coming! Help!” I asked, “Where’s daddy?” She answered, “He k!cked mommy’s tummy and left.”…..

That’s another 5 years minimum. Harry’s smile was razor thin. Keep talking, Trent. Every word you say digs that hole a little deeper. Trent seemed to realize he’d made another mistake. His mouth snapped shut and he slumped back in his seat as the van doors closed. Attempted kidnapping of a minor, conspiracy to commit extortion, illegal gambling operation, money laundering, assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to a pregnant woman.

Lasowl read from a federal indictment that was three pages long. Conservative estimate is 25 to 30 years, assuming he pleads guilty and cooperates fully. He won’t cooperate, Harry said. Too arrogant, too convinced he can beat the system. Then he’s looking at life without parole. Harry nodded. Justice would be served, but there was still one more piece of business to handle.

The county asset forfeite auction was held on a Saturday morning in the courthouse square. Trent Lake cabin, his vehicles, his boats, and all of his seized gambling equipment were being sold to pay restitution to his victims and cover the cost of the federal investigation. Harry arrived early and positioned himself near the auctioneers podium.

He wasn’t the only interested party representatives from three different law enforcement agencies were present along with reporters, curiosity seekers, and a few of Transformer victims who wanted to watch his empire get dismantled piece by piece. First item up for bid is the lake cabin and surrounding 20 acres. The auctioneer announced property includes main house, guest cottage, and three outuildings.

Appraised value is $250,000. Bidding starts at 50,000. Several hands went up. Harry waited patiently as the price climbed to 80,000, 90,000, 110,000. When the bidding slowed down, he raised his hand. 150,000. The other bidders looked around in surprise. That was more than the property was worth, especially given its reputation as the headquarters of a criminal enterprise.