Chapter 5 - The Bargain
The headlights blinded me, but there was no mistaking Claire’s silhouette.
She stepped out of the SUV, her massive wedding gown glowing under the streetlamps like a ghost.
Two men in dark suits stepped out from the back, their hands resting on holstered weapons.
I stepped in front of my mother, shielding her with my body.
“You made me ruin a very expensive cake today, Ethan,” Claire said, her voice echoing in the empty alley.
“Let her go, Claire.”
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.”
She walked closer, the sheer fabric of her dress brushing against the filthy pavement.
“Your mother’s signature is required on the final asset transfer.”
“I already signed the estate documents,” I shot back.
“You signed your portion,” Claire corrected patiently.
“But the company charter requires a majority shareholder vote, and your mother still holds forty percent.”
I felt my mother’s hands gripping the back of my ruined tuxedo jacket.
“I will never sign,” my mother said, her voice surprisingly strong.
Claire laughed, a cold, metallic sound.
“Oh, Margaret, you won’t have a choice.”
She signaled to one of the armed men.
“If you do not get into this car quietly, my men will shoot Ethan in both of his kneecaps.”
“Then they will drag you into the car anyway.”
I looked at the men, calculating the distance, but I knew I couldn't take them both.
Not while protecting an injured woman.
My mother gently pushed past me, standing as tall as her bad hip would allow.
“I will go with you,” my mother said.
“Mom, no,” I pleaded.
“It’s the only way, Ethan.”
She looked at me, her eyes conveying a desperate, silent message.
She wanted me to survive so I could fight back.
Claire smiled in triumph and opened the rear door of the SUV.
My mother limped forward, her chin held high, and climbed into the leather seat.
“Smart woman,” Claire mocked.
She turned to look at me one last time.
“Do not try to follow us, Ethan, or the police will find your body in the river before morning.”
She climbed into the SUV, and the heavy doors slammed shut.
I watched the taillights disappear into the city traffic, leaving me completely alone in the dark.
I had no money, no phone, and my mother was in the hands of a monster.
I reached into my pocket and felt a small, hard object.
It was the brass key Dr. Aris had used to open the tunnel door.
Engraved on the side was a small logo: The First National Bank of Manhattan.
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It wasn't just a door key.
It was a safety deposit box key.
