Chapter 6 - The Unlikely Ally
Despite the public victory, Clara knew the physical evidence on the USB drive was circumstantial. High-priced lawyers could tie it up in court for years. She needed the physical 'Black Ledger'—the handwritten book Silas kept that contained the original signatures and offshore account passwords. Without it, the Hawthornes might still slip through the cracks.
Late one evening, as Clara was leaving the Hawthorne building, a blacked-out Maybach pulled up to the curb. The rear window rolled down, revealing a face Clara recognized instantly.
Alexander Pierce. He was a tech billionaire, a known recluse, and the only man in Newport whose wealth rivaled the Hawthornes. He was also devastatingly handsome, with piercing blue eyes and a sharp jawline.
"Get in, Clara," Alexander said smoothly. "We have a mutual enemy, and we need to talk."
Clara signaled her security detail to stand down and slid into the leather interior of the Maybach.
"I don't need partners, Alexander," Clara said coldly as the car pulled away.
"Everyone needs partners, Clara. Even lone wolves," Alexander smiled, pouring two glasses of scotch from a crystal decanter. "I saw your interview. Brilliant theater. But you and I both know you don't have the smoking gun. You don't have Silas's Black Ledger."
Clara’s eyes narrowed. "And you know where it is?"
"I know it’s not in the Manor," Alexander said, handing her a glass. "Silas isn't stupid. When you took the house, he moved his most prized possessions to a secure, private vault at the Sterling Depository in Switzerland. But he needs a biometric key to open it. A key he keeps on a chain around his neck at all times."
"Why are you helping me?" Clara asked, not touching the drink.
May you like
Alexander’s smile vanished, replaced by a dark, cold fury. "Because ten years ago, Julian Hawthorne drove my sister off a bridge while drunk and paid the police chief to cover it up. I want them ruined, Clara. Just as much as you do. I can get us a jet to Zurich, and I can bypass the electronic security of the Depository. But getting the key off Silas? That requires a thief. And I hear you're very good with your hands."
Clara looked at Alexander, realizing for the first time that she wasn't the only ghost haunting Newport. "When do we leave?"
