The Consent Forms

June was tied to a metal chair beside the old ticket counter.

Martin stood behind her with a gun in one hand and a folder in the other. His suit was torn at the sleeve. His face had lost its charity polish. He looked like the man Vivian must have seen at the end.

"Everyone stop," he said.

Roslyn stopped at the front doorway. Elise stopped at the side hall. Theo stopped behind a vending machine that had not sold anything since 2008. Claire and Ruby were kept outside by deputies, which would last until panic gave them strength.

June's lip bled again. Her eyes found Elise.

"I'm okay," she said.

"No one believes you," Elise said.

Martin pressed the gun near June's shoulder. "Consent forms. Elise signs as temporary trustee. Claire signs as adoptive parent. Ruby signs as birth parent. June signs as beneficiary. The account moves to an emergency receiver I control."

"Greer is in custody," Roslyn said.

"Greer is a lender with friends. I am family with nothing left to lose."

Elise looked at the folder. "Those are not the consent forms."

Martin's eyes flicked.

There. A break.

"Those are Vivian's ferry records," Elise said. "You came for the safe before the plane."

June's fingers moved behind the chair. Tap, tap, pause. Elise recognized the rhythm from childhood games at the lake house. Count the adults lying.

June was pointing with her bound hands toward the ticket safe under the counter.

Theo saw it too.

Martin smiled. "Vivian hid many things from all of us."

"Did she hide your murder confession?" Elise asked.

"Careful."

"No. You wanted public honesty at the museum. Be honest. Did you kill her in the car or after?"

His jaw tightened.

Roslyn kept her weapon low. "Martin, this is where you choose the version that leaves June alive."

He laughed. "June stays alive if her mothers sign."

Outside, Claire shouted, "I will sign."

Ruby shouted over her, "No, you won't."

June closed her eyes, betrayed by every kind of love at once.