He had told me I was nothing without him.

But looking at these papers, I saw him for what he really was.

He was just a common thief who had used violence to hide his greed.

“We need to draft the warrants,” Vance said, pulling a yellow legal pad toward him.

“How long will that take?” Marisol asked.

“A few hours,” Vance said. “I’ll have a judge sign them tonight.”

He looked at me, his expression softening.

“You should stay here, Mrs. Lattimore,” Vance said. “In the building.”

“I have a safe room on the third floor,” Marisol said. “No one can get to her there.”

“Good,” Vance said. “Once the warrants are active, the police will pick up Derek.”

The desk phone on Vance’s desk rang, its loud chime startling me.

Vance answered it, his face turning serious as he listened.

“Yes,” Vance said. “She’s here. What happened?”

He listened for another moment, his brow furrowing.

“Understood,” Vance said, hanging up the receiver.

He looked at Marisol and then at me.

“My officers just arrived at your office, Marisol,” Vance said.

“And?” Marisol asked.