This story is rated M for some violence, coarse language, and minor adult themes.

It is not appropriate for readers under the age of 16 and should not be viewed by such.

Disclaimer – same as the other parts.


New York City, NY, USA – February, 2015

"Ruth-Ann Erika Muhlheim!" Erik came tearing out of the bathroom, looking around. "Where is she?"

"In…oh, for God's sake, Erik, she's four. What'd she do now? Rearrange the bath soaps?"

He stared at me – I could have sworn smoke puffed from his nostrils. "Not. Funny."

"Well, what'd she…?"

"She flushed my watch." I doubled over laughing, being careful not to hit my stomach – I was fairly certain the baby wouldn't like it. "Oh, so not in the mood, Kit!"

When I could look at him again, I spoke. "That cheap one that you never wear?"

There was a long pause from him. "I wear it," he whined, shifting uncomfortably on his feet.

"When? When do you wear it?" I didn't wait for him to answer. "You only wear it when you wear ratty clothes, and considering you hardly ever wear those, I'd let it go." I motioned to his wrist. "Besides, you have the Rolex – stop whining. Is the toilet clogged?"

"No."

"Then I wouldn't worry about it." I went back to making dinner. "She's four. As long as she doesn't flush something important – and as long as she doesn't clog the damn thing – stop freaking out." I looked at him – he was standing, staring at me. "I didn't say you couldn't go scold her, just don't go nuclear. It's just a watch, after all, darling. She's got enough to deal with, her father being who he is – you scare her sometimes, you know."

"I…I do?" He looked ashamed. "I don't mean to."

"Then don't be so angry over a watch you didn't even wear." As he started off, I heard a small noise from Ruthie's bedroom – it grew after a moment. I picked up my head, trying to figure out what it was. Before I could, Erik turned to me, standing at the foot of the stairs, an indescribable look on his face.

"She's singing." He looked up the stairs. "And well, too." He grinned.

"No." Before I could even put down the bowl I was stirring, he was racing up the stairs. "Erik, no! She's not a show pony, Erik Christian, she's your daughter!" I heard Ruthie's door slam upstairs, and I sighed. "Damn it."

After dinner, Erik made me sit down and listen to Ruthie sing – the "Ave Maria," of all things. "Isn't she wonderful?" he asked me when she was done. He ruffled her hair. "She's going to be my little diva when she grows up."

I sighed. "I thought you told me you weren't going to force that on her."

"I'm not." He kissed her forehead. "But she's too good to waste the talent."


New York City, NY, USA – March 15, 2015

I grabbed the stereo remote and pushed play. After a moment, the speakers started blaring "Killer Queen" – I'd had it stuck in my head for two straight days. Luckily Erik was out at rehearsals – I think he'd gotten sick of hearing me hum it. I looked over toward the dining room as I sat down with my laundry – Ruthie was dancing with a feather boa while the song played. I laughed. I'd have to yell at Margery later for teaching her the dance.

As soon as I started singing along, the stereo died. I stared at it for a minute, wanting to curse…and then I heard someone playing the piano behind me. I turned and looked at Erik's piano – he was sitting on the bench, Toby by his side, hammering away at the keys. It took me a moment to figure out what he was playing – "Killer Queen." Toby started singing, and I watched Ruthie keep dancing. I couldn't help but grin – they were all so wacky.

When they were done, we all shared a laugh, and Erik looked at Toby and me. "Can you two run rehearsals? I need a quick nap." I nodded, noticing Toby doing the same. Erik picked Ruthie up and headed off up the stairs, singing. Toby offered me his arm, and I took it, laughing. We left the penthouse, taking the lift down to the lobby.

On the stage, rehearsals were going fine. Toby took his place and they continued – but after about half an hour, Darius stopped and turned to me. "Where's your husband?"

"That's irrelevant," I said. "You should …"

I silenced as Darius and Lily both pulled out pistols. A moment later, I heard a scream – then another, and another, and everyone started running toward me, cowering behind me. As Meg ran over, she grabbed me and dragged me toward the back of the crowd. I looked around – Darius and Lily were blocking the exits. As I spotted Perrie heading for Margery, Darius grabbed her arm, putting the gun to her head. "One chance – tell me where Muhlheim is."

She glanced at Margery, then at Darius, sputtering in French. "I…je ne sais pas…"

"Wrong answer." Before I knew what was happening, there was a loud bang, and Perrie fell. I saw blood…heard Margery's scream…saw Meg holding her back… "Who's next?!" He waved the pistol in the air, firing once – there were more screams. "Where's Kit? Come on up, don't be shy!" I took a deep breath, preparing to step forward – out from behind Eliot and Qusanna – knowing it might result in my death. But before I could do anything, I heard running footsteps and looked toward their source – the lobby exit. Erik appeared, and Darius turned, training the gun on him. "Ah, Erik! I've been expecting you!"

"Spare me the monologue," Erik growled. He looked ready to say something else, but as he opened his mouth, a second pair of footsteps came up behind him. He turned slightly, and I looked as well.

It was Ruthie. "Papa?"

Almost in slow motion, I saw Erik's eyes go wide as he turned back to Darius – Darius turned the pistol on Ruthie. Erik ran over and shoved her back. I felt Meg's arm on mine – shaking it off, I ran out, only to be held back by Eliot. "No! Erik, take her and run!" I saw his eyes widen further as Darius turned the pistol on me. As soon as he did, I heard two cries – Toby was running toward me, and Sean had tackled Lily, sending her pistol flying across the stage.

For a moment, Darius looked confused. He turned from Sean to Toby to me to Erik to Ruthie, seeming unsure of which to fire on. When his back was turned for a moment, I saw Erik start running for him. I screamed, and with Darius still turning, I closed my eyes.

The gun fired.