David picked up the paper and tucked it in his briefcase. Standing beside and a little behind him, I felt his tension rise and saw him shift his balance to the balls of his feet. “Is that a threat, Mr. Saladan? I can transfer your claim to our complaint department.”

A soft boom thumped against my inner ear, and Chad jiggled on his feet. It was a distant explosion. Lee looked at a wall as if he could see through it. My eyebrows rose. Ivy.

“Just one more signature.” David brought out a trifolded paper from a coat pocket.

“Our time is done, Mr. Hue.”

David stared at him, and I could almost hear the growl. “It won’t take but—a moment. Grace, I need your signature, here. Then Mr. Saladan’s … here.”

Surprised, I stepped forward, head lowered to the paper David smoothed out on the desk. My eyes widened. It stated that I was a witness to seeing the bomb on the boiler. I thought it wrong that David’s company was more worried about the boat than the people who died on it. But that was insurance for you.

I took the pen, glancing up at David. He made a small shrug, a new, hard glint to his eyes. Despite his anger, I think he was enjoying this.

Heart pounding, I signed it as Rachel. I listened for any sound of battle as I handed the pen to David. They had to be close, and there might not be any indication that they were in the house if all went well outside. Lee was tense, and my stomach tightened.

“And you, sir.” It was sarcastic, and David turned the paper to him. “Sign, and I can close your file and you’ll never have to see me again.”

I wondered if that was his standard line as I reached into an inner pocket of my borrowed jacket and pulled out the warrant Edden had brought over that afternoon.

Motions rough and belligerent, Lee signed the paper. Beside me, I heard the softest rumble of satisfaction from David. It was only then that Lee looked at my signature. The man went white under his tan. His thin lips parted. “Son of a bitch,” he swore, his eyes rising to me, then Chad in the corner.

Smiling, I gave Lee my warrant. “This one’s from me,” I said cheerfully. “Thanks, David. Do you have what you need?”

David took a step back, tucking his form away. “He’s all yours.”

“Son of a bitch!” Lee said again, a disbelieving smile quirking his lips. “You just don’t know when to stay dead, do you?”

My breath hissed in and I jerked as I felt him tap a line.

“Get down!” I shouted, shoving David out of the way and lurching back.

Pinwheeling, David hit the floor. I slid almost to the door. The air crackled and a thump reverberated through me. On all fours, I jerked my gaze to the ugly purple stain dripping to the floor. What the Turn was that? I thought, scrambling up and tugging my skirt to my knees.