She was negotiating, still, right up to the end, trying to trade a performance of remorse for a lighter sentence.

“I won’t ask the judge for more punishment than the law allows,” I told her calmly.

“But I will never ask for less.” And I ended the call.

Chapter 19 — A Front Door of My Own

My divorce was finalized a month later.

Bruno signed the papers from a federal holding cell, without a word.

The last time I ever saw him was at a restitution hearing, where he looked at me with hollow, defeated eyes.

“Ten years, Jade,” he said.