Chapter 9 - The Confession
The warehouse smelled of rust, saltwater, and motor oil.
A single industrial spotlight flicked on, illuminating the center of the massive room.
Liam was tied to a steel chair, looking bruised and exhausted.
My father stepped out from the shadows, followed closely by my mother.
"You actually came," my father said, sounding genuinely surprised.
"Let Liam go," I demanded, holding the ledger up in the air.
"Throw the book over here first," my mother commanded, her hand hovering near her coat pocket.
I tossed the heavy leather book across the concrete floor.
It slid to a halt right at my father's feet.
He picked it up, frantically flipping through the pages to ensure the bank numbers were there.
"You did it," he whispered, a twisted smile spreading across his face.
"I got what you wanted," I said clearly, making sure the hidden microphone picked up every word.
"Now admit it, John."
"Admit that you forged my name on that loan, and you laundered money for the cartel."
My father laughed, tossing the book to my mother.
"Of course I forged it, Maya," he said proudly.
"I'm a businessman, and you were just collateral damage."
"And you let Grandma die," I pushed further.
"We ignored her calls because we needed her to die," my mother chimed in coldly.
"Her life insurance and the estate were our backup plan."
The horrific truth echoed through the empty warehouse, captured perfectly by the wire.
"You have what you want, now let him go," I said, rushing toward Liam.
My father pulled out his gun and aimed it at my chest.
"I can't do that, Maya," he sighed.
"You know too much, and the cartel doesn't leave loose ends."
He raised the weapon and placed his finger on the trigger.
"I'm sorry, sweetie, but this is just business."
May you like
Before he could pull the trigger, the glass skylight above us shattered into a million pieces.
FBI tactical teams dropped from the roof on heavy ropes, while the main doors burst off their hinges.
