Karim’s eyes were icy. “You’ve set this whole thing up,” he said. “This is all part of your investigation.”

“What investigation?” Cooper asked.

Archie cradled Razor Burn’s head, trying to comfort him. “The murder of Lisa Watson,” Archie said.

“You’re going to arrest me,” Karim said, only a faint note of concern in his voice.

The darker, thicker hose of Razor Burn’s large bowel bulged from his open wound. “Yep,” Archie said.

“Found something,” Susan said, and Archie’s eyes lifted as she crossed back toward them from the bar, holding a white dishcloth.

Archie saw what Karim was going to do an instant before it happened. Karim’s gaze shifted to Susan, and Archie saw his lip curl, and the menace in his eyes, and he knew then what Gretchen had meant about the murderous look she’d seen directed at Lisa Watson.

Karim moved for Susan. She was looking at Archie, pleased to have found what he needed—she didn’t see Karim coming for her. Archie started to stand, but Karim was too quick. He snatched Susan from behind and Archie saw a flash of light as Karim snapped a knife to Susan’s neck.

Archie and Cooper were both on their feet now. Cooper’s gun was trained on Karim. Cooper and Archie exchanged a brief glance—just long enough for Cooper to give Archie an almost imperceptible nod. And just like that, they were on the same side.

Susan’s eyes looked large and white, the irises straining to see the blade at her neck. Her lips were stretched in a grimace. Tears gleamed at the corners of her eyes. “You have got to be fucking kidding me,” she said through gritted teeth.

The sirens were louder now, but Archie still couldn’t tell how far away they were—sound could travel a long way over water.

Karim’s eyes darted to the window. He was clearly trying to do the same math. Then Karim seemed to make a decision, and with a rough jerk, he began to drag Susan sideways toward the door. She stumbled and lost her footing and Karim wrenched her up. “You are a cow,” he seethed. He pulled his elbow back until the sharp point of the blade was nestled just under her jaw. The viciousness of his words barely registered on his composed features. “And I will slaughter you like one.”

Susan’s face had gone bone-white.

Archie searched helplessly around for a weapon—something, anything—he could use against Karim. A broken bottle? He’d never make it to the bar in time.