“You were the one who kept the digital records on a shared network.”

“I still use paper, Arthur.”

Julian stood up slowly, keeping his eyes on the fallen boss.

He looked toward the kitchen island where I was crouching.

“You did well, Clara,” Julian said.

“But this place is no longer safe for you.”

“My car is parked on the service road.”

“Come with me.”

I looked at him.

I knew what Julian wanted.

He wanted me to become his new assistant.

He wanted the mind that had just destroyed the largest crime syndicate in the city.

He wanted to put me in a new cage, with a different name on the door.

“No,” I said.

My voice was quiet, but it carried across the ruined kitchen.

“I’m not going with you, Julian.”

“I’m not going with anyone.”

Julian narrowed his eyes.

“You don’t have a choice,” he said.

“Arthur’s men will be hunting you.”

“And the feds will want to talk to their primary source.”

“If you stay here, you’ll be in a cell next to him.”

“I don’t think so,” I said.