Chapter 8 - The Second Intruder

"Elena?"

A crash came through the phone.

Then Elena whispered, "Someone's in the house."

Arthur released Pike and turned away just long enough for Collins to cuff the lawyer.

"Where are the officers?"

"Front hall. One went outside because the alarm triggered at the greenhouse. The other is checking the basement."

Arthur understood immediately.

A diversion.

"Lock yourself in with Leo."

"We are."

Another sound.

Not from the phone.

From behind Elena's door.

A slow scrape of metal.

"He's trying the lock," she whispered.

Leo sobbed, "It's him."

"Who?" Arthur asked.

"The man who built the room."

Elena backed away from the door while holding the phone.

"Leo, what's his name?"

"Mr. Blake."

Arthur knew that name too.

Owen Blake had renovated the west wing six months earlier.

Victoria had hired him.

Arthur grabbed Collins's arm. "Contractor. Owen Blake. He built the hidden room."

She radioed the mansion units immediately.

On the phone, the lock splintered.

Elena looked around the guest room.

No weapon.

No second exit.

Then she saw the brass floor lamp.

She pulled the cord from the wall and lifted it with both hands.

The door burst open.

Owen Blake stepped inside wearing work boots and a gray jacket.

"Move away from the kid."

Elena planted herself in front of Leo.

"No."

Blake took another step.

"You don't understand what's happening."

"I understand enough."

"Victoria just wants what she's owed."

Leo screamed, "Don't let him take me!"

Blake lunged.

Elena swung the lamp.

The brass base struck his shoulder. He cursed and crashed into the dresser.

Elena grabbed Leo's hand and ran.

They made it into the hallway before Blake caught the back of Elena's apron and yanked.

The fabric tore.

Elena spun and kicked his knee.

He fell.

An officer came around the corner with his weapon raised.

"Hands! Show me your hands!"

Blake froze.

Leo ran into Elena's arms.

Arthur heard everything through the open call.

Then Collins's radio crackled.

"Suspect in custody. Child safe."

Arthur nearly collapsed with relief.

But Pike, handcuffed against the stair rail, began laughing.

Arthur turned toward him.

"What's funny?"

Pike tilted his head.

"You caught the builder. Congratulations."

May you like

She Tried to Kill a Disabled Woman at a Billionaire’s Pool Party—But One...

She had already lost her leg. Now, they were trying to take her life.At a luxury mansion filled with millionaires, a terrified you...

THEY DECLARED HER DEAD—THEN ORDERED HER CREMATED WHILE SHE WAS STILL ALI...

They were about to burn her alive.Her death certificate had already been signed. Her body was scheduled for immediate cremation. A...

She Pushed a Pregnant Woman in a Wheelchair Into the Pool—Then Her Husba...

She was pregnant. She was in a wheelchair. And the woman standing behind her was smiling.Seconds later, one brutal shove sent her...

His eyes sharpened.

"But Victoria already has the one document that matters."