Chapter 5 - The Heirloom
Adrian stared at the bloody key in Zuri's tiny hand.
He recognized the crest immediately.
It was the master key to the subterranean vault at Vale House headquarters.
He gently took it from the child and wiped the blood on his jacket.
"Where did you get this, Zuri?"
She pointed a trembling finger toward the shadows behind the water feature.
Naomi stepped out from behind the cascading waterfall.
She was holding a silver revolver with both hands.
The barrel was aimed directly at Adrian’s head.
"Put the key down, Mr. Vale," she ordered, her voice cracking.
Adrian slowly raised his free hand.
"Naomi, Vance is trying to kill us all."
"Vance works for the people who want what is in that vault," she cried.
Adrian took a cautious step forward.
"My mother died because of this, didn't she?"
Naomi shook her head frantically, tears streaming down her face.
"Katherine Vale was a wonderful woman, but she lied to you."
Adrian froze, his mind struggling to process the words.
"What are you talking about?"
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Naomi tightened her grip on the gun.
"She wasn't your real mother, Adrian, and you aren't the rightful heir to the Vale empire."
