“Try to make a fool out of me, will you?” Her red-painted upper-lip curled in a sneer as she studied the young man before her. “I bought and paid for you. You’ll always be mine. Certainly not hers.” She gave a throaty chuckle. “Mine as long as you live.” She took a deep breath. “Here’s something you’ll always remember. My last present to you, darling.”

She aimed the pistol and pulled the trigger.