“We all did. But in order for me to benefit from the new construction, I’ll be managing all finances until we are in the black.”

“Why? I’ve always kept my word. This is a personal affront against our relationship and my integrity.”

Marissa’s placid features demonstrated her control. “This is business. I need three hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars up front to continue. Now.”

“I don’t have it.”

Marissa reached into her purse and aimed a gun at the woman. “Which is it?”

Jess held a gun on the other man.

“Lynn, I can give you two hundred thousand cash now.”

“Where’s the rest?”

“My house.”

“Open your safe and Ellie will see if you’re bluffing.”

The woman scooted back her chair and opened a cabinet door, pressed in numbers, and stepped back.

“Ellie, go ahead.”

I found more cash inside the safe than I thought possible. I counted the wrapped bills, ranging from tens on up to hundreds. I repeated to confirm the amount and faced Marissa. “One hundred and ninety thousand dollars.”

“Short and a lie.” Marissa still held a firearm on the woman . . . I didn’t even know her name.

“I can have the balance delivered to you.”

“Unnecessary. We’ll send our men and chat until they return.”

The woman nodded at her bodyguard. “Get what’s needed.”

“And leave you alone?” he said.

Marissa waved the gun at him. “You have one hour. Any longer and I’ll start eliminating fingers, beginning with the one hosting diamonds and sapphires.” My sister glanced at a clock on the woman’s desk. “Time starts now.”

Sixty-seven minutes later, Jess and the woman’s bodyguard returned. Marissa counted the money and stuffed it inside her bag.

“Thank you.” She smiled at the woman. “I hope you understand doing business with me means keeping your end of the bargain. Deceit never works.” Marissa stood and gave her attention to Jess. “Ellie and I will meet you at the car.”

I trailed after her, only wanting to leave. Once outside, I heard a gun fire twice.

“He shot them?” I gasped. “You have your money.”

“Get over it, little sister.” She opened the passenger side of the car and slid in.

I stared at the delivery door. Those shot needed help. If they weren’t dead.

“What are you expecting to see? She understood the stakes when she asked for a financial partner. In the car, or you’ll regret it.” She pulled her gun. Like an old Western, the weapon did her talking.

I took slow, unsteady steps to the opposite side of the car. God, when will this be over?

I watched the delivery door. Jess emerged, carrying a blood-soaked tissue. My head pounded. Prison life showed more sympathetic women than my sister. He opened Marissa’s door and displayed the woman’s severed finger, bright-red polish, the diamond-and-sapphire ring, and blood. “Situation handled.”

“Jess, I wanted the ring, not the finger. Did you have to cut it off?”

He grinned. “I carry a sharp knife for a reason.”