I nodded, my chin trembling, to my disgust. When was I ever going to be strong?

“You can thank your boyfriend and his love note for this idea.”

I picked the pen up in my hand and tried to calm my panic. She wanted me to write a note, how bad could that be?

“Okay, now start writin’. I, Rose Gardner, confess to possession of the flash drive.”

“What?”

“Write.” It was the first time I had ever heard Betty sound really mean.

“Why would I do that?” I asked. She had lost her mind.

“I know how much ya love that sister of yours and her kids. It’d be shame if somethin’ happened to ‘em. Now write.”

I had pinned my hopes on Joe showing up, but that dream was gone. I had to go along with her until I could figure out how to get away. I wrote, my handwriting looking like scribbles from my shaking hand.

“That’s good, makes ya look upset.” Betty said looking over my shoulder. She made me write a confession admitting to owning the flash drive, destroying it, and duping Daniel Crocker. “Now, they’ll think ya did it and they’ll stop lookin’.”

“You didn’t really destroy it, did you, Betty? Where is it?”

“It's in my safe deposit box. After I made my deal with Sloan, I realized I could get more money for it in a bigger city.”

“I don’t even know what’s on it!” I cried out in frustration. “If I'm gonna die for a stupid piece of plastic I should at least know what's on it.”

“Information about several gangs in Dallas and Houston, their weak spots, their business activities and partners. Interestin’ stuff.”

I realized she didn’t deny I was going to die. I felt nauseated. “And you got it from Bobby Joe?”

“Yeah, stuff he knew from the gang he was in, other information he stumbled upon in prison. He finally came through for his Momma. Are ya done?”

I handed her the paper and she read it over. “Okay, looks good, let’s go.”

I got up and she grabbed my arm again, leading me out of the office to the back door. “Where are we goin’?” I asked as we walked through the darkened back room.

“We're goin’ to set up your suicide.”

I thought about digging in my heels and trying to fight her, but figured I had a better shot at getting away outside. Fear made my stomach churn. Maybe I could throw up on Betty and work it into an escape plan.

The cracked back door made Betty stop.

“How’d that door get propped open?”

She swiveled her head around, then stuck her foot forward to kick my purse out of the way. She was promptly tackled by none other than Joe. I barely got my arm out of Betty’s grasp before she tumbled to the ground.

You would think it would have been an easy match for Joe, but Betty was scrappier than she looked. It took Joe a good minute to get her handcuffed.

“Are you okay?” he asked me when he finished, panting from his exertion.

I nodded. “What are you doin’ here? I thought Betty said she’d bring me home.”

“She did, but I didn't want to wait, so I came by anyway and found your purse in the door.” He helped me outside and around Betty, who lay rolling around on the ground. “You know, you lose purses more than any other woman I’ve ever met. What’s this, three in one week?”

I glared at him.

He pulled me into a hug. “I didn't think you’d just leave your purse in the door, in spite of your track record, so I snuck in and listened.”

“You left me in there with her?” I pulled back in dismay, looking up at his face.

“Sorry.” He looked sheepish. “But it seemed safer than comin’ in. I was ready to act if I needed to.” He leaned over and gave me a quick kiss. “Surely, you’ve figured out I wouldn’t let anything happen to you if I could help it.”

He was right. I knew he’d risk his life to save me. He already had and his job, too. I heard sirens in the distance.

“Henryetta’s finest on their way.” Joe snorted. “I called them once I knew what was going on, even though I told them no sirens. They sure love their sirens. I'd dare to say they’ve seen more action in the last couple of weeks than they’ve had in the past ten years.”

I laughed. “I know I sure have.”

Joe laughed too then gave me a serious look. “Rose, it’s only just begun, you know.”

I didn’t know if he meant the action with criminals or the action between the two of us. I was just about to ask, but then he kissed me…and I just plain forgot.