Chapter 2 - Blood on the Marble
I twisted my body just as the blade sliced through the fabric of my shirt.
The cold steel grazed my ribs, sending a sharp jolt of pain through my side.
I grabbed Nora's wrist with both hands and twisted it backward.
She let out a piercing scream and dropped the knife onto the floor.
I kicked the weapon across the room and shoved her hard against the dining table.
"You have been lying to me for four years!" I roared, pinning her down.
Nora spat directly into my face, her eyes filled with absolute venom.
"Marcus promised me a new life if I got rid of her," she sneered.
I looked back at Lily, who was cowering in the corner of the room.
"Grab my keys from the counter, Lily," I instructed, trying to keep my voice calm.
The little girl obeyed immediately, her tiny hands shaking as she grabbed my car keys.
I let go of Nora and sprinted toward my daughter.
We ran out the front door and jumped into my SUV.
I locked the doors and started the engine, checking my rearview mirror in a panic.
Nora was standing on the front porch, pulling a dark phone to her ear.
I knew she was calling my brother.
I dialed the emergency police line as I sped down the dark, rainy highway.
"911, what is your emergency?" a dispatcher answered.
"My name is Julian Vance, and I need immediate help," I said breathlessly.
I explained that my brother had framed my wife's death and my maid had just tried to kill me.
There was a long, chilling pause on the other end of the line.
"Stay exactly where you are, Julian, we are tracking your vehicle now," the voice replied.
May you like
But it was not a dispatcher speaking anymore.
It was Marcus, and he was laughing.
