Chapter 9 - The Final Confrontation
Preston looked completely unhinged, his custom tuxedo replaced by a dark tactical jacket.
He pointed the gun directly at my chest, his hand surprisingly steady.
He mocked me for being predictable, guessing I would try to use the corporate servers.
He demanded that Ms. Vance step away from the keyboard and hand over the laptop.
Sophie whimpered behind me, burying her face into my wet skirt.
I pushed my daughter gently toward Sarah, whispering for them to hide behind the server racks.
I stepped directly into Preston’s line of sight, refusing to show him any fear.
I told him that Mark was in a coma and the entire conspiracy was falling apart.
Preston simply laughed, claiming that without the money, I couldn't fight his high-priced lawyers anyway.
He took a step closer, threatening to make my death look like a desperate suicide.
While he was focused on me, Ms. Vance subtly slid her hand across the desk.
She didn't reach for the laptop to give it to him.
She reached for the physical enter key on the keyboard.
Preston noticed her movement and swung the gun toward her.
I didn't think.
I just lunged.
I slammed my shoulder into Preston’s chest just as he pulled the trigger.
The gunshot was deafening in the enclosed room, the bullet shattering a glass server panel.
We crashed to the floor in a tangle of limbs.
I fought like a wild animal, scratching, punching, and clawing at his face.
Preston was stronger, but he was fighting for greed.
I was fighting for my child.
I managed to knock the gun out of his hand, sending it skittering across the floor.
Before he could recover, the heavy server room doors burst open.
A dozen heavily armed FBI agents flooded into the room, their weapons drawn.
They ordered Preston to the ground, pinning him against the cold floor.
Ms. Vance stood up, brushing the dust off her blazer with a satisfied smirk.
She looked at Preston and tapped the enter key one final time.
The screen flashed green, displaying a giant checkmark.
"Upload complete," she announced calmly.
The lead agent pulled Preston up roughly, snapping heavy iron cuffs onto his wrists.
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I ran to the corner and pulled Sophie into my arms, sobbing with relief.
The nightmare was finally coming to an end.
