force of a single, brutal kick. Mark and his cronies storme

he once-orderly space. "Anything that looks expen

th a gleeful violence. Books were swept from shelves, couch cushions were sl

said with a venomous smile. "This isn't destruction. It's a purge. We're cle

He simply observed the destruction of his home, his face a mask of detached calm. He ha

ed by Liam's mother-and smashed the frame over his knee. Another overtu

He tore through the closet, then knelt down and pulled a small,

olding it up for Emily to see. "L

ally cracked. "D

silver locket, a pair of pearl earrings, her thin wedding band. Th

en goods, I'm sure.

ckening crack, shattering into pieces. The delicate jewelry spilled out,

shot through Liam. The last piece

ce raw with a pain that went far be

il of police sirens suddenly cut through the

voice echoing in the sudden silence of the ransa

ing to a low, trembling snarl as he pointed a shaking finger at Emil

up the stairs. The apartment door, already hanging from a single hinge, wa

group of intruders, and Liam st

and assault in progress," the lead of

od you're here. This man," he said, pointing at Liam, "is a

, "You're under arrest for breaking and entering, assault, and destruction of property." As another officer

ud? What are you talking about? This is

y' s hysterical face to Liam

was assaulted yesterday, the man who subsequently died from his in