They reached the front door right as the knock came. Rogers peeked out the

sidelight. It was just Jericho. Whoever else was in the SUV had remained there.

 

Quentin opened the door and motioned Jericho inside. She stepped through the

threshold.

 

Rogers closed his eyes and in his mind everything the woman had done to him came

roaring back like a tsunami inside his skull.

 

He opened his eyes. He was done counting breaths.

 

He pulled the vintage M11-B from his waistband.

 

He would point it against her head.

 

He would see how she liked it. Then he would put the gun down and cram the ring

down her throat.

 

And finally he would strangle her with the hands she had made stronger than a

gorilla’s.

 

For the greater good. You can carry it to eternity.

 

Rogers was about to strike when the gas hit him in the face.