It was a holiday weekend , and the town was packed with tourists .
We couldnt risk a mass evacuation .
It complicated things .
At 3:15 , a sniper spotted him near the east end of Main Street .
He was wearing a baseball cap and a mask , probably picking up supplies .
Our undercover units moved in .
Just as they were about to grab him , a parade of lion dancers started banging their drums .
Sal bolted .
The market erupted into chaos .
Stalls overturned , people screaming , a wave of bodies surging through the narrow streets .
I watched from the surveillance van , my fists clenched .
The Chief kept a firm hand on my arm .
Then , word came through .
Suspect apprehended .
We all breathed a sigh of relief .
Then the camera zoomed in .
It wasnt Sal .
Wed grabbed the wrong guy .
< Clear the area ! I yelled , grabbing the Chiefs arm .
Too late .
The first bomb detonated at the east intersection , sending a fireball into the air .
I jumped out of the van , ignoring the Chiefs shouts , and pushed my way against the tide .
of fleeing people .
My arm throbbed .
Where would Sal be ? Somewhere hidden , with a clear view of the carnage .
And he wouldnt care about his own safety .
I looked at the burning teahouse at the center of the chaos .
I handed a crying child to a nearby officer , then headed for the teahouse .
I soaked a handkerchief with water from the bar and covered my mouth and nose .
The building creaked and groaned around me .
My arm screamed in protest .
Debris rained down , and I pressed myself against the wall , the heat scorching my skin .
Suddenly , I was yanked into someones arms .
A familiar voice whispered in my ear .
Long time no see .
I spun around , hitting him hard in the ribs .
It hadnt been long at all .
But it felt like a lifetime .
We fought , the floor shaking beneath us .
Youre a pretty good fighter , Liv , Sal said , grinning .
Had to be , to deal with all those unruly … employees .
I shoved him to the ground .
He looked up at me , still smiling .
I reached for my cuffs , but he flipped me over , pinning me down .
He was toying with me , pulling his punches , careful not to hurt my arm .
Even now , he was showing me … mercy .
Do you hate me , Livia ? he asked , his voice soft .
We were both exhausted .
I leaned against the counter , trying to catch my breath .
He stood up , swaying slightly .
I had a friend , once .
After juvie .
I trusted him .
He dragged me behind his car for two miles .
I hate … betrayal .
And you … you stomped on my < heart .
He pulled out his gun .
One bullet left .
He pointed it at my chest .
Goodbye , Livia .
Look out ! I screamed .
The ceiling above him collapsed .
He fell , the floor crumbling beneath him .
I lunged forward , grabbing his wrist .
He dangled precariously , his weight pulling me down with him .
What are you doing ?! Are you crazy ?! Let go ! He looked at me , his eyes wide with disbelief .
Why are you saving me ? Let go , Livia ! Youll die too ! I held on tight , my arm burning , blood mingling with the dust and debris .
His voice softened , tinged with desperation .
Please … let go .
Youll die … Livia .
Why ? Why ? Because I was a cop .
Because saving a life , even his , was the only way to wash the blood off my hands .
Live , Sal ! Live and face what youve done ! I tried to pull him up , but the floor gave way beneath me .
We fell together .
く I regained consciousness sometime later .
Wed landed on a pile of furniture , cushioning the fall .
I couldnt move .
Sal , however , was already sitting up .
He wiped the blood from his face , then reached for my belt .
I glared at him , my body screaming in protest .
He pulled out my handcuffs , cuffing my wrist to his .
He dragged me towards the exit , his body battered and bruised .
The fire raged around us .
Sal … I whispered , my voice hoarse .
Will you confess ? He squeezed my hand .
Yes , he said .
I closed my eyes , a wave of relief washing over me .
I felt him wipe the blood from my hand , a futile gesture .
He was crying .

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I wish … I wish your hands were clean , Livia .
I couldnt feel the heat anymore .
Couldnt speak .
But I heard the sirens .
The blessed sound of sirens .
く Two hospital visits in one month , Captain Chen .
Thats gotta be a new record .
My partner nudged me , grinning .
It was a big day .
Three months and four days after the teahouse collapse , I was finally leaving the hospital .
Id been lucky to survive .
And today … today was Sals sentencing .
My partner drove me to the courthouse .
We sat in the back of the gallery .
I hadnt seen Sal since that day .
He looked … smaller , somehow .
The evidence was overwhelming .
Hed confessed to everything .
His empire had crumbled .
The city was finally breathing again .
The judge read the verdict .
The defendant , Salvatore Demarco , is found guilty of racketeering , homicide , assault , kidnapping , arson , and numerous other offenses .
This court sentences you … to death .
I gripped the railing .
my breath catching in my I gripped the railing , my breath catching in my throat .
They led Sal away .
He turned at the bottom of the steps .
Livia , he called out .
Our eyes met .
His gaze was unreadable , a mixture of pain , regret , and something … else .
He asked me , his voice barely a whisper , Did you … did you ever … love me ? Sal , look at this , I said , tapping the badge pinned to my jacket .
This is my badge .
It represents everything I am .
My love is for this city , for the law , for justice .
Thats my answer .
I turned and walked away , towards the sunlight streaming through the courthouse doors .
Someone called my name .
Sal , maybe .
Or maybe it was someone else .
I didnt look back .
Not then .
Not ever .