Walter walked right up to Captain Vance, standing beside him with an easy, practiced confidence.

“He’s been threatening us,” Walter said.

“We had to file for a protective order just this morning.”

“You stole his life!” I screamed, my chest aching from the cold air.

“We have you on tape, Walter!”

“We heard everything you said about the trust and the forged death certificate!”

Walter did not even look at me.

He kept his eyes on the local police officer, a look of polite concern on his face.

“You see?” Walter said, shaking his head. “The wife is just as delusional.”

The officer grabbed Jake’s arms and forced them behind his back.

The metallic click of the handcuffs sounded incredibly loud in the quiet night.

“Jake Vance, you are being detained under Article 86,” Vance said.

“We are transporting you to the installation immediately.”

“How much did my father pay you, Vance?” Jake asked, his voice low and steady.

“Or did he just promise to secure your next promotion through his political connections?”

Vance’s face tightened. “Watch your mouth, Captain.”