Chapter 12 - Daniel at the Door
Nora did not open the door.
"Leave."
"I can't."
"That's not my problem."
"Mom is coming."
Alma quietly moved Sophie into the bedroom.
Nora kept her phone connected to 911 without speaking.
Daniel leaned against the other side of the door.
"The watch has a microfilm compartment. Peter hid the agreement inside it."
"Slide it under the door."
"I need something first."
Nora laughed once.
"There he is."
"Nora—"
"Everything with you is a trade."
Silence.
Then Daniel said, "I need you to tell police I tried to stop the car."
Nora's hand went cold around the phone.
"You didn't."
"I did at first."
"Then you hit me."
"I know."
"You almost killed Sophie."
"I know."
"Then why are you asking?"
His voice cracked.
"Because I'm afraid of prison."
Not because he was confused.
Not because his mother controlled him.
Because he was afraid of the consequence.
Nora almost appreciated the truth.
Almost.
"No."
Daniel breathed out slowly.
"Then I can't give you the watch."
Alma stepped back into the hallway holding a cast-iron skillet.
Nora stared at her.
Alma whispered, "I couldn't find anything quieter."
Someone kicked the apartment door from outside.
Not Daniel.
He shouted, "Get down!"
The second kick cracked the frame.
Daniel yelled, "Celeste! Stop!"
Nora grabbed Sophie.
The door burst inward.
Celeste entered holding a handgun.
Daniel tackled her from the side.
The gun fired into the ceiling.
Alma hit Celeste's wrist with the skillet.
Celeste screamed.
Nora ran toward the bedroom window and fire escape.
Behind her, Daniel shouted, "Take the watch!"
Something silver slid across the floor.
Nora picked it up.
Then another gunshot sounded.
Daniel collapsed against the wall.
Celeste pointed the weapon at Nora.
May you like
"Give me the watch.
