Chapter 18 · The Other Buyer

"Tell me you didn't kill Sienna." Mia's hand stays against the glass. Her eyes don't move from mine.

"Say it again," I demand. "Out loud. I need to know I heard you right."

She picks up the marker and writes in clean, careful strokes.

*Last loop. I shot her. Clean through the temple.*

My lungs lock. I grab the window frame before my knees give out.

"Why?"

Mia wipes the glass with her sleeve.

*She left me behind.*

The words smear when I blink. My sister—the girl who used to cry over dead birds—put a bullet through Sienna's head because Sienna walked away from her six years ago.

"Mia." My voice scrapes out. "What happened?"

She looks toward the room where Sienna is waiting, then writes again.

*Ask her.*

"She's not talking. She keeps saying she had no choice."

Mia's mouth twists.

*That's what they all say.*

I press my palm to the glass. She watches my hand but doesn't raise hers.

"Then tell me what she did."

For the first time, Mia hesitates. Her grip tightens around the marker.

*You won't believe me.*

"Try me."

The marker squeaks.

*Six years ago, I was collateral on a deal Sienna brokered.