Chapter 5 - The Sister's Betrayal
I returned to my apartment to find the front door ajar.
I drew my concealed carry piece, a compact 9mm, and moved silently down the hallway. I heard hushed voices in the living room.
I turned the corner, weapon raised, to find Claire standing over my mother’s armchair. The private security guard was nowhere to be seen.
"Drop it, Claire," I commanded, keeping the gun leveled.
Claire jumped, dropping a fountain pen and a legal document onto the rug. She looked pathetic, tears streaming down her face, but I knew better now.
"Julianne, please, you have to let her sign it," Claire sobbed. "Greg’s bosses... they’re going to kill us if we don't deliver the deed. They advanced us two million dollars, and we spent it."
"Where is my guard?" I demanded.
"I paid him off," Claire whispered. "Julianne, look at her. She's old. She doesn't need that massive house. I'm your sister! Don't you care what happens to me?"
My mother, pale but resolute, looked up at Claire. "You let him hit me, Claire. You stood there and watched. I have no daughter named Claire anymore."
May you like
Claire’s face hardened. The tears vanished instantly, replaced by a cold, reptilian glare. "You always loved Julianne more," she spat. "Fine. But you can't protect her forever."
Claire stormed out of the apartment. I locked the deadbolt behind her, my hands shaking. The gloves were off.
