Chapter 13 - Midnight at the River
The police told me not to go.
The federal agents told me not to go.
My doctor definitely told me not to go.
At 11:42 p.m., I was in an unmarked SUV headed toward the river warehouse.
Not alone.
Ortiz sat in front. Nathan sat beside me wearing a wire under his shirt. Tactical teams moved in separate vehicles with lights off.
The plan was simple: enter, confirm hostages, keep Marcus talking, let the teams move when Ortiz gave the signal.
Simple plans are usually lies we tell ourselves before complicated things happen.
The warehouse sat beside black water and rusted rail lines. Rain had stopped, but mist hung low over the ground.
Nathan looked at me before we got out.
“You should stay in the car.”
“So should you.”
“I mean it.”
“So do I.”
He nodded once.
No argument.
That was new.
We entered through a side door Marcus had left unlocked.
Inside, fluorescent lights buzzed above rows of empty shipping racks.
Evan sat tied to a chair in the center aisle.
Caroline stood behind him.
She was holding a gun.
Nathan stopped walking.
“Caroline.”
Her eyes flooded with tears.
“Don’t come closer.”
I looked around. “Where’s Marcus?”
A voice came from the catwalk above us.
“Right here.”
Marcus Vale stepped into view.
He looked like an older, harder version of Richard. Same jaw. Same gray eyes. No expensive suit. Just dark jeans, boots, and a black jacket.
He held a pistol loosely at his side.
“Emma Reed,” he said. “The woman who built a billion-dollar lock and didn’t realize everyone around her wanted the key.”
Evan looked at me. “I’m sorry.”
“Save it.”
Marcus smiled.
“I like you.”
“I don’t care.”
“You will. Because I’m the only reason you’re still alive.”
Nathan laughed bitterly. “Your people left her in a ravine.”
“My people?” Marcus looked amused. “Ask your father.”
A door opened behind us.
Richard walked in.
May you like
He was holding a gun too.
And it was aimed at his brother.
