“He is already calling his contacts,” the message from Julian Maroni read.

“He is desperate, Clara. Let me help you stay hidden.”

I stared at the glowing text.

Julian wanted my knowledge just as much as Arthur did.

He wanted the keys to the kingdom I had built.

I picked up the phone and typed a brief response.

“I don’t need your help, Julian.”

I hit send.

On the laptop, Gregory’s voice was getting more panicked.

“Boss, the police chief is on line two. He wants to know why the weekly delivery didn’t arrive at the drop point.”

“Tell him there’s a delay,” Arthur said.

“He sounds angry, Arthur. He said the DA is looking into his accounts.”

“I don’t care if he’s angry!” Arthur roared. “Handle it!”

“How?” Gregory cried. “I don’t have the keys to the safe deposit box!”

“Where are the keys, Gregory?”

“Clara had them!”

I reached over and closed the laptop lid.

The study fell silent.

I stood up and walked to the kitchen window.

The rain was starting to fall again, streaking the glass.

The small town was quiet.