I’m sitting in Max Cherry’s office, the hum of the ceiling fan the only sound between us. He doesn’t know the full plan yet, but he knows enough—he knows I’m not giving Ordell his money. I’ve just come from the mall, heart still pounding from the switch in the dressing room. $40,000 handed off to Melanie, the rest tucked away for Max and me. I told Nicolette I was robbed. I told Ordell the deal went south. Now both sides think the other has the cash.

Max looks at me, eyes sharp. 'You’re playing a dangerous game, Jackie.'

I light a cigarette, hands steady. 'I’ve been playing it for years. Only now, I’m dealing the cards.'

He leans forward. 'And when they realize they’ve been played?'

I exhale smoke. 'By then, I’ll be on a plane to Madrid. You could come with me.'

He smiles, sad. 'I’ve got a business to run.'

The phone rings. It’s Ordell. He’s furious. Louis is dead. He knows something’s wrong. He wants the money—now. Max agrees to deliver it, but only if I’m safe. I nod. This is the moment. If it goes wrong, we’re both dead. If it goes right, I walk away for good.