Chapter 5 - The Stolen Ledger
Martha raised her hands, her mind racing for a believable lie.
"His legs were cramping severely, sir."
"I was massaging the calves to prevent blood clots."
Silas studied her face, searching for a trace of deception.
He slowly lowered the gun, though his grip remained tight.
"You are very dedicated for a cleaner, Martha."
"Make sure you don't overstep your duties," Silas warned, stepping back into the hall.
When the door finally closed, Maxwell let out a ragged breath.
"He suspects something," Maxwell whispered, pulling himself back into his wheelchair.
"We are running out of time."
"I need the black ledger hidden in the basement office."
Martha helped him adjust his robe.
"What is in the ledger?"
"Proof of Silas's offshore accounts and his payments to Dr. Vance."
Maxwell looked deeply into her eyes.
"If I hand that ledger over to the family elders, Silas is finished."
"But I cannot risk rolling my chair down there at this hour."
Martha knew what he was asking her to do.
She slipped out of the gym and crept down the grand staircase.
The mansion was dark and silent as a tomb.
She reached the basement office and bypassed the simple lock with a hairpin.
She found the safe behind a painting, using the combination Maxwell had provided.
The heavy metal door swung open, revealing a thick black notebook.
Martha grabbed the ledger and turned to leave.
A cold metal barrel suddenly pressed against the back of her head.
"Put it down," Miss Delaney's harsh voice commanded from the shadows.
May you like
The housekeeper cocked the gun.
"Silas isn't the only one playing a long game in this house."
