Midnight at the Marina

Elise knew Martin's voice. The caller was not Martin.

This man sounded younger, rougher, and less interested in manners. Behind him, something metallic scraped over pavement.

"Who is this?" Elise asked.

"Someone your brother owes."

Adam closed his eyes.

Roslyn held out her hand for the phone. Elise shook her head and put it on speaker.

The caller laughed. "Hello, Detective. Tell Elise the safe buys her brother until midnight. The girl too, if she keeps walking around with that phone."

Claire grabbed June's hand.

"You touch my daughter and I will end you," Claire said.

"Mrs. Hart, you signed half the paper that made this work. Sit down."

Claire went silent.

Elise heard a car door slam through the line. "What do you want?"

"The original beneficiary forms. The flash drive. Ruby Bell. Bring them to the south marina by midnight."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because Adam still has two kneecaps, and Martin only needs him to have one."

The call ended.

Adam bent at the waist like he might vomit.

Roslyn turned on him. "Name."

"Dane Lott," Adam said. "He collects for Mercer money."

"And works foundation security," Theo added.

Elise looked at Claire. "What did he mean you signed half the paper?"

Claire's mouth shook. "Foundation grant authorizations. I thought they were education funds."

June pulled her hand free. "You always think papers are clean if the font is pretty."

Claire flinched as if slapped.

Roslyn began issuing orders. Patrol backup. Evidence transport. Protective custody. Elise let the official noise wash over her while she stared at Vivian's corkboard.

Vivian had left evidence. Martin had left debt. Adam had left tracks. Claire had left signatures.

And Elise had been left alive just long enough to choose who to save first.

Theo leaned close. "We are not going to the marina."

Elise looked at him.

He sighed. "We are going to the marina with police, aren't we?"