Ahead of them as they approached the restrooms, an elevator door slid open and a skinny, ragged young woman wandered out, looking around aimlessly. Nick noticed her because she looked out of place, like a homeless person who had wandered into an upscale restaurant. Her clothing was tattered and dirty, her light-blond hair stringy, and she wore a long skirt that reached almost to the floor, like something from a rag heap—definitely not the current style. Nick wondered absently if she was on the right floor; maybe she was looking for the probation office, which was on a different level.

Nick and Victoria were still fifteen feet away when the young woman’s eyes locked onto Victoria. Her face twisted into a contortion of rage.

“HEY! YOU!”

She took two steps forward. Victoria stopped in surprise, as did Nick. The girl’s left hand pointed at Victoria.

“I told you once, bitch! You stay away from my man!”

“What?” Victoria frowned, then laughed in consternation. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I don’t even know who you are.”

The girl took another step forward, and before Nick could register her moves, a revolver appeared in her right hand. It was aimed directly at Victoria.

As screams resounded up and down the corridor, the ragged girl opened fire.

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