Chapter 7 - The Burning Legacy
"Don't do it, Mark!" Daniel shouted into the phone, watching his lifelong friend prepare to destroy his home.
Mark chuckled, the glowing flame reflecting brightly in his cold eyes.
"You took everything from me, Daniel, the promotions, the money, the life I deserved," Mark sneered.
"I built that company with my own hands, and you just happened to be the lawyer," Daniel argued fiercely.
"Well, now I am the sole owner of a burned-down tragedy," Mark replied smoothly.
Mark dropped the lit match onto the gasoline-soaked hardwood floor.
Flames erupted instantly, racing up the custom drapes and consuming the beautiful living room.
Daniel watched his family's legacy burn through the small screen of his phone.
"I will find you, and I will kill you myself," Daniel promised, his voice dangerously calm.
Mark simply laughed over the roaring sound of the fire.
"You can try, but if you don't bring yourself to the old shipping docks in exactly one hour, I will send the sniper to finish off your daughter," Mark threatened.
The video call abruptly ended, leaving Daniel staring at a black screen.
He rushed to the bathroom and pounded gently on the wooden door.
"It's me, open up, we have to go right now," Daniel urged frantically.
Sarah unlocked the door, her face pale and her hands shaking as she held Lily tight.
"Where is that terrible woman?" Lily asked, burying her face in Daniel's neck as he picked her up.
"She is gone, sweetie, but we have to leave this place immediately," Daniel assured her.
They rushed out the back door of the motel, avoiding the front walkway where Evelyn had fallen.
Daniel ushered them into the SUV, his mind racing to formulate a plan that wouldn't end in their deaths.
He knew walking into Mark's trap at the docks was a suicide mission.
As he sped through the rainy streets, he handed his phone to Sarah in the passenger seat.
"Dial Detective Reynolds, he is the only cop in this city I actually trust," Daniel ordered.
May you like
Sarah fumbled with the phone, her hands shaking so badly she dropped it on the floor mat.
Before she could pick it up, a massive black truck slammed violently into the side of their SUV.
