“I have a proposition for you, Clara,” Julian said. “The kind of proposition a woman of your talents deserves.”

“I am not interested in working for another family,” I said.

“You haven’t heard the terms,” Julian said. “A full partnership. Thirty percent of the northern docks. And your own staff.”

Arthur let out a harsh, bitter laugh.

“She’s bluffing, Julian,” Arthur said. “She has files. She’s threatening to go to the feds.”

Julian’s smile vanished. His eyes went sharp, darting between Arthur and me.

“Is that true, Clara?” Julian asked.

“It is,” I said.

“Then she’s a liability,” Julian said softly.

He reached inside his coat, his movement slow but purposeful.

Arthur saw the movement and reacted.

But he didn’t aim at Julian.

In a sudden, desperate motion, Arthur lunged toward me, grabbing my left arm with his free hand and pulling me in front of him.

He pressed the hot metal barrel of his gun against my temple.

“Drop it, Julian,” Arthur yelled, his voice cracking with panic. “Or she dies right here.”

The rain outside seemed to grow louder, filling the silence of the cabin.