We rode the Ferris wheel .
As we reached the top , fireworks exploded in the sky , momentarily illuminating the night before fading into darkness .
I didnt know what to do , Sal whispered , his voice thick with emotion .
I avenged you .
I got blood on my hands , just like you .
He pressed me against the wall of the car , his eyes pleading .
He wasnt the powerful mob boss anymore .
He was just a broken man .
Liv , Im showing you my heart .
Teach me how to love .
く He looked at me , his eyes reflecting the dazzling lights .
I stared at him for a long time , then nodded slowly .
A smile flickered across his face .
He touched my neck , his fingers gentle , then kissed me , as if I were something precious and fragile .
At the hotel , Sal held me close , reluctant to let go .
I coughed , trying to subtly create some distance .
Could you … maybe go take a shower ? He chuckled .
What , Im too dirty for you now ? Yes , I said , surprised at my own boldness .
He grinned , kissing me lightly .
Ill be right back .
He tripped over a footstool as he headed for the bathroom .
He really hadnt been kidding about never being in love .
I waited until the water was running , then grabbed his phone from his bag .
Love really did make you stupid .
Sal would never have < left his phone unguarded before .
His passcode was my birthday .
I checked the signal , then dialed the number Id memorized thirteen years ago .
My heart hammered against my ribs as I waited for the other end to pick up .
Hello ? Lieutenant Davies , its Officer Chen , badge number 34297.
I have conclusive evidence against Sal Demarco , including arson , homicide , and bribery .
Im at the Evergreen Inn , room 809.

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Requesting backup for immediate apprehension .
A brief pause .
Understood , Officer .
Units are en route .
Good work .
I hung up , my hands shaking .
I put the phone back , sat on the bed , and picked up a tourist brochure , pretending to read as I tried to calm my racing pulse .
Sal emerged from the bathroom , his hair く damp , water droplets tracing the lines of his jaw and chest .
What are you reading ? he asked , smiling .
Just some brochures .
They tricked me into taking one .
I waved the pamphlet at him .
He pulled me close , his damp skin against mine , his breath warm on my neck .
I reached up , touching his hair .
Arent you going to dry your hair ? Sit down , Ill do it for you .
He sat obediently .
I plugged in the hairdryer , the loud whirring a welcome distraction from the pounding in my chest .
His hair was surprisingly soft .
I ran my fingers through it , surprised to see a few strands of gray among the black .
Sal , you have gray hair .
So do you , he murmured .
I plucked one out last time you were sleeping .
We were so young to be showing signs of age .
The stress , the lies , the constant fear … ..it was taking its toll .
く I finished drying his hair .
He pulled me onto the bed .
Liv , I … I havent showered yet , Sal ! He kissed me , his lips hard against mine , his voice husky .
Shower ? Youre going to take a shower ? What then , Officer Chen ? More stalling tactics ? You dont really think my men … havent noticed the patrol cars surrounding the building , do you ? My mind reeled .
He knew .
Of course he knew .
He pulled out his gun , the muzzle aimed at my chest .
For the first time , I saw something like sadness in his eyes .
Ê ། gave you my heart , Livia .
What did you give me ? You were going to teach me how to love .
You never intended to , did you ? Im still … unlovable .
The sirens wailed outside .
They were here .
Its over , Sal .
I took samples from your coat that night you held me .
Traces of accelerant L and gunpowder .
Youre going down .
He smiled , a bitter , twisted smile .
His eyes glinted with unshed tears .
Was I just a dog to you , Livia ? Was it that easy … to make me love you ? I shook my head , taking a step towards him .
A deafening explosion rocked the room .
Dont come any closer , Sal said , his voice hard .
There are twelve bombs in this building .
One step closer , and another one goes off .
Tell them to stand down .
I wont be responsible for the casualties .
He moved towards the elevator shaft , keeping me in his sights , expertly avoiding the snipers line of fire .
Sal ! I pleaded .
Think about this ! If you leave , youll be a fugitive .
He just kept walking .
As I reached for him , a shot rang out .
Pain exploded in my arm .
I fell to my knees , blood blooming on my sleeve .
I tried to stand , but my legs wouldnt support く me .
He disappeared into the elevator shaft .
Sirens and explosions mingled in the air as I collapsed .
A small box rolled out of Sals discarded bag .
I opened it .
A diamond ring .
His unsent gift .
I woke up in the hospital .
The Bureau had managed to evacuate most of the building , minimizing casualties .
Sal was a fugitive .
The reward for his capture was enough for a down payment on a house .
I tried to join the manhunt , but the Chief wouldnt hear of it .
You need to rest , Chen ! Hes not getting away .
Weve got him surrounded .
Just focus on getting better .
He left , looking older than I remembered .
Wed waited so long for this .
I lay in bed , watching the curtains flutter in the breeze .
New leaves were budding on the trees outside .
Spring was coming .
February 4th .
An informant placed Sal in Reedville , a small town a few hours away .
I ne Bureau mobilized .
I begged to go , but the Chief refused .
Im fine , see ? I flexed my arm , the cast finally removed .
He just shook his head .
Youre staying put , Chen .
We dont need you charging in there half healed .
I snuck into his office at midnight .
He was still working , hunched over his desk .
He nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw me .
What are you doing here ? You should be in the hospital ! Im fine , I said , standing at attention .
I need to be there , Chief .
I know Sal better than anyone .
And … I want to be the one to put the cuffs on him .
For my TO .
He sighed , then placed a hand on my shoulder .
You cant be the one to arrest him , Chen .
But you can be there .
Stay in the 99 < Sal had chosen his hiding spot well .