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The safety instructions on the back of all STÄDA products listed a series of warnings. Don’t substitute generic hardware for STÄDA hardware or else the Quiet Bedside Table may collapse; don’t overtighten the handle of the Divine Drawer or else its face may snap; don’t install the drawers of the Frank Dresser in the wrong order or else it may become top-heavy. Ava knew this scenario was no different: don’t confront a fragile, manipulative man with his own crimes or else he may kill you.
She spoke quietly. ‘I know I have you.’
But it was too late for him to restabilize, she could see. Something inside him had ruptured. The image that came to mind was of STÄDA’s stress-tester applying 350 pounds of force to the Encouraging Desk Chair, just enough weight to bend its back left leg at a ni
