Chapter 4 - The Ultimatum
Ryan stepped fully into the moonlight, his fists clenched tight enough to turn his knuckles white.
Alan took a frantic step backward, stumbling over the broken glass on the patio.
“Ryan, my boy, you weren't supposed to hear that,” Alan stammered, raising his hands defensively.
“I am not your boy, and you will never hold my career over Lily’s head again,” Ryan growled.
He looked at me, the respect in his eyes now mixed with a desperate plea for guidance.
“Commander, I will resign my commission tonight if it means keeping Lily safe from this monster,” he said to me.
I shook my head immediately.
“You are not throwing away a brilliant military career because a civilian contractor is throwing a tantrum,” I ordered him.
Alan laughed nervously, trying to regain control of the situation.
“If he doesn't resign, he goes to federal prison for corruption!” Alan shouted.
I pulled my encrypted military phone from my pocket and dialed a number I rarely used.
Before the call could connect, the terrace doors flew open violently.
My mother stormed out, her face contorted with embarrassment and fury.
“Nora Hayes, you have been here for less than an hour and you are already trying to destroy your sister’s life!” she screamed.
She pointed a trembling finger at my face.
“You are jealous of her happiness, and you are trying to ruin this family!”
I didn't blink, and I didn't lower my phone.
“Mom, you have no idea what your husband is actually doing,” I said calmly.
“Alan is a respected businessman, and you are nothing but an ungrateful brute!” she yelled.
She grabbed Alan’s arm, pulling him toward the safety of the dining room.
“We are going back inside, and Nora, you are officially uninvited from the wedding tomorrow,” she declared.
Suddenly, the blinding flash of red and blue emergency lights illuminated the garden walls.
May you like
The heavy sound of combat boots echoed through the front lobby of the restaurant.
Three armed Military Police officers marched straight through the dining room and stepped onto the terrace.
