The courthouse clock struck three as if it had trained for this hour. On the steps, people drifted like weather. No banners. No photographers. Only a bench under a tired maple and a notary with a briefcase balanced on his knees.
Lyle stood near the side entrance, tie straight, eyes everywhere. When he saw Alex's car roll to the curb, he touched his earpiece once and stepped forward.
“Everything's ready," he said. “Room B. No windows."
“Good," Alex said.
He opened the door. Olivia stepped out, a soft scarf hiding the fading bruise at her cheekbone, the blue blanket folded over her arm like a quiet flag. Her eyes went to the clock, then to the doors. She exhaled once. “Let's finish."
They moved. Alex's men stayed back, non-entities to anyone who didn't know what to notice. Inside, the c
