“He Slapped Her at an NYPD Promotion Party—Then a Police Officer Grabbed Him, and His Darkest Secret Came Out!”

Price descended one step at a time. He wore a dark raincoat and held a pistol pointed toward the floor. Behind him stood Officer Grant Mercer, a young patrolman Mara had seen bringing coffee to Daniel at the promotion party.

“Put it down,” Daniel said.

“You first.” Price glanced at Mara. “This is the part where you realize the detective isn't your rescuer.”

“Shut up,” Daniel said.

Price smiled. “Tell her about the envelope, Daniel.”

Mara felt the air leave the room. “What envelope?”

“Your brother offered me evidence,” Daniel said. “I brought it to Price because I thought he was helping build a case. I was wrong.”

“Evan begged him not to,” Price added. “But Daniel wanted approval more than he wanted a friend.”

Daniel went still. “That's not what happened.”

“Then explain why the evidence vanished.”

Mara looked at Daniel. He did not have an explanation that could undo his mistake.

Price raised the gun. “The card, Mara. And everyone walks away.”

“You can't promise that,” she said.

“I can promise the alternative.”

Rosie straightened despite the bruises on her wrists. “You come into my home and threaten my family? Your mother would be ashamed.”

Price's face flickered. He had grown up two streets away. Rosie used to serve him lemonade when he played basketball with Evan.

“You don't understand,” he said.

“Then make me,” Rosie replied.

A voice crackled from the phone in Mara's pocket: “You are being recorded, Captain.”

Price snapped toward the sound. Mara recognized Lena Ortiz. Somehow the prepaid line was still open.

Mercer lowered his weapon a fraction. “Captain, I didn't sign up for this.”

Price struck him across the face with his free hand. In the same instant Daniel lunged. The gun fired into the ceiling. Plaster rained down. Mercer fled through the back door while Daniel and Price slammed against the kitchen counter.