Chapter 9 - The Executive Garage
The SwiftFreight executive garage was a massive, concrete cavern buried beneath the corporate headquarters.
The harsh fluorescent lights flickered erratically as Julian drove our backup SUV down the ramp.
The entire lower level was completely deserted, perfectly abandoned for a midnight meeting.
Julian parked the car near the center of the structure, leaving the engine running.
"I highly advise against stepping out of this vehicle, Ms. Miller," Julian warned one last time.
I ignored his advice, grabbed the heavy briefcase, and pushed my door open.
The damp, metallic smell of the garage filled the cold air.
I walked slowly toward the only other vehicle on the level—a black luxury sedan.
Gavin stepped out from behind a concrete pillar, holding a suppressed pistol.
He was flanked by four heavily armed mercenaries wearing tactical gear.
Charlotte was kneeling on the cold floor behind them, her hands bound tightly with zip ties.
"You actually showed up," Gavin mocked, a sickening smile spreading across his face.
"I always keep my promises, Gavin," I replied, holding up the briefcase.
Gavin checked his phone, verifying the banking alert he had just received.
"The $3.2 billion cleared my accounts three minutes ago," Gavin gloated proudly.
"You saved my company, Sabrina, just like a good, obedient wife."
I felt a surge of disgust, but I kept my posture perfectly rigid.
"I gave you the money, now let Charlotte go," I demanded.
Gavin laughed, a loud, echoing sound that bounced off the concrete walls.
"You are incredibly naive," Gavin sneered, raising his pistol and aiming it directly at my chest.
"I am not leaving any loose ends tonight."
Charlotte screamed in terror, realizing Gavin was going to execute both of us.
"You are going to shoot me right here in your own building?" I asked, feigning shock.
"My security cameras have been conveniently turned off for the night," Gavin explained.
"The police will find two tragic victims of a random, violent robbery."
Gavin took a step closer, completely drunk on his own perceived power.
"You thought you could outsmart me, Sabrina," he whispered maliciously.
"But I have always been the smartest person in the room."
I looked down the barrel of his gun, feeling absolutely no fear.
"You really love hearing yourself talk, don't you?" I asked softly.
Gavin frowned, confused by my sudden lack of panic.
May you like
I slowly reached up and touched the large, diamond brooch pinned to my coat lapel.
"Did you honestly think I would come here without my own security cameras?" I asked.
