I looked back at Adrian.

He was looking at me again.

A faint, sad smile touched the corner of his mouth.

It was the look of a man who knew he was dying, but was glad his sacrifice meant something.

“The court accepts the defendant’s pleas,” Judge Harrison said, her gavel striking the wooden block.

The sound was sharp, like a gunshot in the quiet room.

“Sentencing will be set for next month,” she added.

The marshals immediately stepped forward, grabbing Adrian’s arms.

The chains rattled loudly as they turned him toward the side door.

“Adrian,” I called out softly.

The marshals stopped, looking at the judge.

Judge Harrison nodded once, allowing a brief moment.

Adrian turned his head to look at me.

“Keep her safe, Claire,” Adrian said.

“I will,” I said, tears finally spilling over my eyelashes.

“Don’t look back,” he said.

Then the door shut behind him, and he was gone.

***

Miller led me out of the courtroom through the secure elevator.

The air in the garage was cold and smelled of gasoline.

“We have to go back to the safe house,” Miller said, opening the passenger door.