Chapter 7 - The Unexpected Ally
The shadow stepped out of the dim lighting, revealing a face Caleb instantly recognized.
It was Mr. Henderson, the quiet, elderly school janitor who always smelled like bleach and peppermint.
Mr. Henderson dropped the heavy steel wrench and wiped a streak of blood off his cheek.
He looked down at Caleb with sharp, intelligent eyes that did not match his usual grumpy demeanor.
"Get up, kid, we don't have much time," Mr. Henderson ordered.
Caleb scrambled to his feet, completely shocked by what he had just witnessed.
"Who are you?" Caleb stammered.
Mr. Henderson reached into his gray jumpsuit and pulled out a gold federal badge.
"FBI Financial Crimes Division, I have been undercover watching Mrs. Baxter for six months."
Caleb felt a massive wave of relief wash over him.
He quickly explained that Malik was heading to the basement to flip the manual breaker switch.
Mr. Henderson's face instantly went pale, and he cursed violently under his breath.
"There is no manual breaker switch in the basement, Caleb."
"The basement is where they installed the heavy industrial incinerator to burn the physical ledgers."
Caleb felt his stomach drop as he realized he had sent his friend into a massive death trap.
Mr. Henderson unclipped a radio from one of the unconscious guards on the floor.
The radio crackled with static before Mrs. Baxter's sweet, sickening voice came through.
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"Attention team, I have successfully trapped the Malik boy in the incinerator room."
"Proceed to the basement immediately, and bring the gasoline."
