Chapter 7 - Showdown at Pier 44
The rain was coming down in sheets by the time I stepped out of the vehicle and walked toward the end of Pier 44.
The icy wind whipped my hair across my face, but I kept my eyes locked on the lone figure standing near the edge of the water.
David was holding a large black umbrella, looking miserable and impatient.
As I approached, he shone a blinding flashlight directly into my eyes.
“Are you alone?” he yelled over the sound of the crashing waves.
“Yes!” I shouted back, holding up my empty hands.
I stopped about ten feet away from him, close enough to see the deep bags under his eyes.
He looked haggard, his designer suit wrinkled and soaked at the hems.
He reached into his leather briefcase and pulled out the familiar blue folder.
“I have it,” he said, his voice dripping with condescension.
“Now give me the flash drive.”
I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small, silver USB drive.
It was completely blank, but he didn't need to know that.
“First, I need you to admit it,” I said loudly, ensuring the microphone picked up every word.
“Admit you stole the money, David.”
“Admit you bribed my family and took Ava.”
He rolled his eyes, taking a step forward.
“Fine,” he sneered.
“I transferred the funds, I paid your greedy parents, and I used Sarah to get the folder.”
“Taking the kid was just collateral damage.”
“Are you happy now, Megan?”
His confession echoed in my earpiece, followed immediately by Detective Evans's voice.
“We have it,” Evans said through the radio.
“Move in.”
David held out the folder, expecting me to hand over the drive.
Instead, I took a step back and let out a sharp whistle.
May you like
Suddenly, the dark pier was illuminated by a dozen high-powered floodlights.
Police sirens wailed into the night, shattering the sound of the rain.
