Not long after Zoe returned to work at the restaurant she received a call from Detectives Williams and Kim asking for a meeting with her and Sean. Waiting for the detectives to arrive at Zoe’s apartment that morning, the two friends speculated on what the meeting was all about.

“Maybe we’re going to get a commendation?” said Sean.

“I doubt it,” said Zoe. “I think they want to update us on the case.”

The doorman buzzed from the lobby. When Zoe opened her front door for the two detectives, she could tell Daryl Williams was smiling at her even though he was wearing a mask. The detective truly admired the young woman’s pluckiness and determination and was sorry he hadn’t been able to stop all that had happened to her. Despite her own personal risk, Zoe had worked tirelessly to prevent the murder of a total stranger never realizing she was the actual target. In her efforts to do the right thing, Zoe Brandt had lost a lot and had almost been killed twice.

“Come in, detectives,” said Zoe as she closed the front door. Waiting in the living room, Sean stood next to the picture window gazing out at Central Park.

The windows had been left wide open providing ample ventilation and the warm summer breeze filled the large space. Four dining-room chairs had been set up in front of the window six feet apart. Daryl cleared his throat. “We wanted to tie up some loose ends for you,” he began, “and officially confirm what you already may know. I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that the intended victim of the murder plot you saw in the texts was not Ms. García-Harmen’s husband, it was you. The man who attacked you in this apartment had been hired by your husband. From what they tell me, it looks like he’ll be a guest of the State of New York for quite a long time,” said Daryl.

“We’ve kept everything out of the press because the FBI wants to keep Conner’s arrest quiet for a while,” said Heather. “Your husband was the key person on a large FBI undercover operation. If the people he was investigating got wind that the FBI had infiltrated their organization it would blow the lid off the whole thing. The police commissioner got a call from the head of the Manhattan FBI field office. We’ve all agreed to keep Conner’s arrest under wraps, at least for the time being. They’d like the same from the two of you as well.”

Zoe bit her lip and nodded again as she took it all in. “Of course,” she said.

“Won’t say a word,” said Sean.

“We wanted you to hear it from us,” said Daryl. “You’re safe now, Zoe. The DA thinks they have enough evidence to seek the maximum. Conner Brandt won’t get out for a long time.”