Chapter 11 - The Men at the Door
Detective Brooks called for backup.
Victor Hale walked into the mansion as if he owned it.
He nearly did.
At sixty-eight, he had spent four decades building Vance Industries beside Henry, Charles, and Eleanor. He was the face investors trusted when the family became too messy for television.
"Daniel," he called from the foyer. "Let's not turn this into a circus."
Daniel carried the metal box down the stairs.
"Funny. My wife almost died yesterday and nobody on your board said a word."
Victor's eyes settled on the box.
"Those are corporate records."
"They were hidden under my nursery."
"Still corporate."
Graham stepped forward.
"Daniel, if you remove those documents, the company will seek an injunction."
Detective Brooks held up a hand.
"Nobody's removing anything until I document it."
Victor smiled at her.
"Detective, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but this is a civil matter."
"Attempted assault isn't."
Malcolm stayed near the door.
His eyes kept moving toward the back hall.
Arthur noticed.
Then every light in the mansion went out.
Emergency power failed too.
Someone had cut the main line.
Brooks drew her weapon.
"Nobody move!"
Glass shattered in the nursery above.
Daniel ran.
"Daniel!" Arthur shouted.
He took the stairs two at a time.
The metal box was still in his arms.
A man in black came out of the side hallway and slammed into him.
The box hit the floor.
Ledgers spilled across the stairs.
Daniel punched the man.
The man pulled a knife.
Arthur charged from below and struck him with a brass umbrella stand.
The knife clattered away.
Police sirens screamed outside.
Victor shouted that everyone was insane.
Graham disappeared.
Malcolm did too.
When the backup generator finally kicked on, Detective Brooks found the back door open.
Graham Pike's car was gone.
So was Malcolm's SUV.
Victor remained, furious and pale.
Brooks looked at him.
"You're not leaving."
He laughed. "On what charge?"
Daniel picked up the cassette.
"This."
Victor's face changed.
Only for half a second.
But Daniel saw it.
"You've heard this tape before," Daniel said.
Victor said nothing.
Daniel walked closer.
"My father trusted you."
Victor's voice dropped.
"Your father was weak."
Arthur inhaled sharply.
Victor realized his mistake.
Then Daniel's phone rang.
Hospital.
He answered immediately.
"Mr. Vance?" Dr. Grant said. "Sarah is bleeding again. We're seeing signs of fetal distress."
May you like
Daniel's entire world narrowed to one sentence.
"We may have to deliver your daughter tonight."
