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.”…..

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.

Going once, going twice, sold to bidder number 47. Harry walked up to complete the paperwork, ignoring the curious stairs and whispered conversations around him. Cassidy appeared at his elbow, moving slowly but steadily. The doctors had released her from the hospital 2 days earlier, and she was staying at Harry’s house while she recovered.

“Dad, what are you doing? That place is worth maybe a h 100,000 on a good day. It’s not about the money, Harry said, signing the deed transfer papers. It’s about what comes next. Two hours later, Harry and Cassidy stood on the deck of what had once been Translate Cabin. Harry had brought a sledgehammer, a crowbar, and a can of gasoline.

Cassidy had insisted on coming along despite her injuries. “Are you sure about this?” she asked. “Positive.” Harry swung the sledgehammer into the living room wall where Trent had conducted his illegal business. Drywall exploded in a cloud of white dust. This place represents everything your husband used to hurt people.

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