I watched the snow pile up against the windowpane, wondering if Adrian was warm.

***

Two days later, Miller returned to the house.

He carried a cardboard box filled with legal documents and a paper bag with sandwiches.

“The grand jury indicted him this morning,” Miller said, setting the box on the kitchen table.

“So quickly?” I asked.

“Adrian waived his right to a preliminary hearing,” Miller said.

He sat down and opened his coat.

“He is giving us everything, Claire.”

“What do you mean, everything?” I asked.

“He is pleading guilty to every single count,” Miller said.

“He isn’t going to fight?”

Miller shook his head.

“If he fights, the details of the syndicate stay active in court for years,” Miller said.

“And Leo Vance stays free to hunt you down,” I added, understanding the grim logic.

“Exactly,” Miller said. “Adrian wants the entire enterprise dismantled by the end of the month.”

“He will spend the rest of his life in prison,” I said.

My hand found my stomach again.

“He knows that,” Miller said quietly.

***

The day of the plea hearing arrived three weeks later.