Then she removed the magazine from the gun, cleared the chamber exactly as the officers had taught her, and tossed both pieces in opposite directions.
“No,” she said. “I’m done being useful.”
Julian roared and charged her.
Police burst through the house.
He was thrown to the ground three feet from the pistol.
The detonator cracked beneath an officer’s boot.
It had never been connected to anything.
Julian’s final act of terror had been as empty as his promises.
Six months later, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit murder, insurance fraud, forgery, financial crimes, and escape from custody.
Beatrice was convicted of Daniel’s murder.
Harold received a reduced sentence for his cooperation.
Elena entered witness protection after testifying against all three of them. Before she left, she returned my emerald robe in an evidence bag.
