an to be your lawfu

ty Hall, the city official recited the lines with

s a flat, toneless echo i

s woman to be your l

s response was

It was a confir

ted certificate was placed in Serena's hand. The entire process took less

A black Maybach glided to a stop at the curb,

iform got out and opened

Get in. We'll discuss the

ing of rich leather and a faint, clean scent of wood. The car itself w

. Neither of them spoke. Camilo opened a laptop and began working, his fingers fly

of a fiercely guarded luxury building. The eleva

inimalist, and almost unnervingly empty. Floor-to-ceiling win

it onto a stark white sofa. He retrieved a th

agree

ead: *Marital Assistance an

ddle of the vast living room and be

detailed. Alm

remain confidenti

cessary

ion through enc

the contract automatically diss

er would provide Serena Jackson with "the highest level of legal and secur

ay the role of "Mrs. Meyer" when nee

more than she would receive in return. But one clause caught her attention: the highest level o

"The agreemen

didn't turn around. "Risk and reward are proportional. My risk i

o response.

wn at the toylike cars crawling through the

a pen from her own bag and sig

anced at her signature, and

ard from his wallet. He placed them on the

partment. It's your safe house. No

limit. Consider it our partnership's 'operating budget.' You

e purchasing power, but didn't reach for it. "

time, Camilo's

t. I'm investing in you to become a stronger all

but it left no room f

wo cards. Their cold, smooth surfaces felt unreal against her skin

p to Europe. I'll be back in a week. Until then, this place is yo

king at her again. He turn

man was a storm that had swept into he

r clicked shu

ll into a dead,

and access key clutched in her hand. Outside, the lights of New York beg