tition separating them from the driver was raised, cocooning them in their own world of cold fury

in-streaked city lights blur into long, abstract strokes of color. She fel

wheel so tightly his knuckles were white. He opened his mouth to say something twic

em. The caller ID flashed on the dashboard screen: CAMER

it?" he

Cameron's efficient voice filled the car. "The painting ca

in

, a fresh wave of pa

kward silence. "It's an interesting piece, sir. I did a lit

ing, his eyes fixe

rphosis was their debut piece, shown at a small student exhibition years ago. It caused a bit of a stir,

eptible tremor ran through her. She pressed her lips tog

us artist. It was on the silent, dripping woman beside hi

said, his tone dri

ct. "Sir, regarding Mrs. Pruitt... I was thinking, perhaps a ges

d hung in the air, cl

He remembered her, crouched and crying in the rain. He had told himself it was a performance, but

us said, his voice a low sneer. "A

n. A transaction

orning. Pick out the most expensive set they have. Diamo

ld pay for her silence. It was a la

ard eve

.s

ensa

pensive set

e was talking about her as if she were a problem to be managed, a petulant child to be placated with a shiny

eyes. The lake insid

ilence that returned was a hun

arrives tomorrow, accept it," he ordered. "And

e continued to stare out the window as if he hadn't

ment it rolled to a stop under the portico, June opened her d

nsteady but determined, moving toward

n his gut. It felt like he was watching something slip through