One less crime on my conscience tonight.
Instead, I replied, "It's over. They're not going to hurt you again."
She gave a breathy snort of laughter. "Promise?" Her tone was wistful, though she also sounded resigned to hearing a no.
The only way I could make sure I hadn't killed her was to keep her alive. "I swear I'll never let them hurt you, ever again."
"Then you'll have to kill them all," she said. "Because they won't let me live. Or you, either. We can identify them."
"It doesn't matter," I replied. "We'll say I did it. I hurt you. You'll go to hospital and my sister will be safe. I'll... get arrested. Go to prison. And it'll be okay."
I became aware of something in my pocket. Reaching in, I pulled out the forgotten can of Coke. I cracked it open and took a mouthful, before I pus
