Detective Meyers

Theo took June through the side exit while Elise walked toward the front office.

"That is a terrible plan," Theo said.

"It is the only plan that keeps him looking at me."

"He wants you erased."

"Then he can start by explaining it to my face."

Theo did not like it. Elise could see the old argument building behind his eyes, the one where he wanted her safe and she heard controlled. This time he swallowed it.

"Three minutes," he said. "Then I call Roslyn Meyers."

"You know a detective?"

"I know a detective who already called me about a dead Elise Hart."

That pulled Elise up short. "Why didn't you say that?"

"Because you were running toward a school."

He left before she could answer.

The front office smelled like copier toner and peppermint. Martin stood beside the attendance desk, signing a visitor log with the careful hand of a man who expected subpoenas one day.

"Where is June?" he asked.

"With people who did not grab her wrist."

The receptionist looked up.

Martin's smile stayed in place. "Elise is under strain. Her mother died last week, and now there are questions about her legal status."

"My legal status is alive."

"Then you should welcome verification."

"I welcome it from anyone who did not file a death claim."

His gaze sharpened. "Be careful."

"You first."

He stepped closer and lowered his voice. "Your mother kept records that can hurt innocent people. Claire. Adam. June. Even Theo, if the bank looks dirty enough. You think you are chasing justice. You are carrying a match through a room full of gas."

Elise felt the threat because it was not aimed only at her.

"Did you kill Vivian?" she asked.

Martin's face changed. Not guilt. Calculation.

The office door opened behind Elise.

A woman in a navy suit held up a badge. "Elise Hart? Detective Roslyn Meyers. I need you to come with me."

"Because I'm dead?" Elise asked.

"Because the body wearing your name is missing."