Chapter 6 - The Dead Drop
Grant didn't just want to frame me for the missing syndicate money.
He intended to use my death to pay off his debt.
The puzzle pieces snapped together with horrifying clarity.
The sudden introduction of Tessa into our home wasn't just to make me leave.
It was designed to push me into a manic, unstable state.
He was establishing a narrative for the police.
A hysterical, pregnant wife discovers an affair, flees into the night, and tragically crashes her car.
Or worse, commits suicide out of despair.
"He's going to kill you," Tessa whispered, staring at the screen over my shoulder.
"He needs you dead before the banks open on Monday."
"Then we have to beat him to the punch," I said, slamming the laptop shut.
I looked at Natalie.
"I need you to take the kids and Tessa to the FBI field office in Atlanta."
"Hand over the server data and the forged documents."
"They can offer witness protection."
"What about you?" Natalie demanded.
"I am the bait," I replied coldly.
"As long as I am with you, none of you are safe."
"I have to draw him out and make sure he gets caught on tape admitting to everything."
Natalie argued, but she knew the statistical probability of our survival was dropping by the minute.
We drove to a crowded truck stop where we switched vehicles with one of Natalie's trusted colleagues.
I kissed my children, promising them I would be right back.
I watched their taillights disappear down the highway, feeling a piece of my soul tear away.
I was completely alone now.
I pulled out my prepaid phone and dialed Grant's personal number.
He answered on the first ring.
"You have until midnight to sign the release forms, Mara," he threatened.
May you like
"Or what?" I challenged, keeping my voice steady.
"Or I show the police the video of you breaking into the Vargas syndicate's vault."
