Rebecca slumped back, her coat falling open over her silk blouse, her hands lying flat and empty on the table.

Arthur opened his center drawer and took out a three-page surrender agreement typed on legal bond.

He uncapped a black fountain pen and slid it across the glass.

“Initial each clause on pages one and two,” Arthur said.

“Full signature on the surrender line.”

“Judge Holloway will review the emergency transfer on Tuesday morning,” Vance said, checking his pocket calendar.

“We won’t contest the jurisdiction.”