Chapter 6 - The Unwelcome Guests
I stared at Margaret, my mind racing to process the absolute audacity of her statement.
They were not just trying to steal the equity through a loan anymore.
They had orchestrated a completely illegal, fraudulent sale of my million-dollar property.
"You cannot sell a house without the true owner present at closing," I pointed out calmly.
"That is exactly why you are going to sit at the table and sign the final transfer deeds," Daniel threatened.
He reached into his jacket and showed me the handle of a handgun tucked into his waistband.
"If you make a scene, I will make sure you have a tragic accident before the police arrive," he whispered.
I realized I was dealing with desperate, dangerous criminals who had nothing left to lose.
I nodded submissively and walked into the downstairs bathroom to splash water on my face.
I quickly sent a cryptic SOS text message to a contact saved in my phone simply as 'The Fixer'.
Twenty minutes later, the front doorbell rang with a sharp, echoing chime.
Margaret opened the door to greet two large men wearing sharp, expensive tailored suits.
They looked like stereotypical ruthless real estate investors looking for a quick flip.
"Welcome to our beautiful home, gentlemen," Margaret smiled warmly, playing the perfect host.
I walked into the living room carrying a silver tray with fresh coffee and porcelain cups.
I kept my eyes lowered, playing the role of the terrified, obedient wife they wanted me to be.
"This is my daughter-in-law, Claire, she is the one selling the property today," Margaret introduced me.
The taller investor looked at me with cold, calculating eyes behind his dark sunglasses.
I set the coffee tray down on the glass table directly in front of him.
Underneath his specific coffee cup, I had slipped a small white napkin with a message written in red lipstick.
The message simply read: "They are armed. I am a hostage."
The investor picked up his coffee cup and subtly slid the napkin into his palm without breaking eye contact.
He took a slow sip of the hot coffee and smiled directly at me.
May you like
Then, he subtly shifted his jacket, revealing a silver FBI badge pinned to the inside of his lapel.
I let out a quiet breath of relief, knowing my trap was finally springing into action.
