“I’m coming with you,” I said, taking a step forward.

“No, Mrs. DeLuca,” Miller said, catching my arm. “You need to stay with us. We have to secure you first.”

I watched them wheel Adrian out into the snow, the flashing lights casting long, dancing shadows across his pale face.

The warehouse suddenly felt massive and empty, the cold air settling deep into my bones.

Miller guided me back toward the sedan, his hand firm but gentle on my elbow.

“He’s doing this for you, Claire,” Miller said quietly as we walked. “He knows it’s the only way you survive.”

I didn’t answer.

I looked down at my hands, covered in Adrian’s drying blood.

The wind howled through the open warehouse doors, sweeping the snow inside to cover the dark red stains on the floor.

Miller opened the car door for me, and I slid back into the passenger seat.

The heater was still blowing warm air, but I couldn’t stop shaking.

On the floor mat, the wiretap receiver was still glowing green.

Suddenly, the screen on the dashboard console flickered, a new alert flashing in bright yellow text.