“Marcus framed me,” Alexander said. “And you helped him.”

Victoria let out a short, dry laugh.

“You did this to yourself, Alexander.”

“You were always too soft for this business.”

“Just like your father.”

I looked back at the cloner screen.

48%… 55%…

The progress bar was moving too slowly.

I could hear footsteps approaching the study door.

“Let’s go inside,” Victoria said to Alexander. “Before someone sees you and calls the police.”

“I am not running anymore,” Alexander said.

“Then let’s discuss your options,” Victoria replied.

The doorknob began to turn.

I looked around the room for a place to hide.

There was a deep alcove behind a heavy velvet curtain near the window.

I grabbed my cloner, leaving the cable attached to the safe, and slipped behind the curtain.

The fabric was dusty and smelled of old wool.

I held my breath.

The door opened.

The lights in the study clicked on, casting a bright yellow glow through the gaps in the curtain.

I heard the click of Victoria’s high heels on the hardwood floor.

“Sit down, Alexander,” she said.