Chapter 4 - A Whisper in the Dark
I was discharged from the hospital the next morning and went straight to my townhouse.
I changed all the locks, upgraded the security system, and bought a firearm for self-defense.
Around midnight, a frantic knocking startled me from my sleep.
I checked the security monitor and saw Clara standing on my porch, looking absolutely terrified.
I opened the door, and she practically collapsed into my arms.
"They know I took the flash drive," she sobbed, trembling uncontrollably.
"Marcus tore our house apart looking for it, and Eleanor is threatening to take my children."
I locked the door behind her and guided her to the kitchen island.
"I saw the video, Clara," I whispered. "I saw what they did to Victoria."
Clara covered her face with her hands, weeping bitterly.
"Victoria found out Eleanor was stealing millions from a charity foundation," Clara explained.
"She was going to the FBI the next morning, but they silenced her."
Clara looked up at me, her eyes completely bloodshot.
"I found that flash drive in a hidden floorboard in Marcus's office two days ago."
"I was going to mail it to the police, but then I saw what Julian did to you at dinner."
She grabbed my hand, her grip surprisingly strong.
"I knew if they got away with hurting you, they would never stop."
"We have to end this, or neither of us will survive the week."
I nodded, feeling a dangerous fire igniting in my chest.
"We aren't going to the local police," I declared.
"The Sterlings own half the judges and cops in this county."
May you like
I pulled out my phone and searched for a contact I hadn't used in years.
"We are going straight to the Federal Bureau of Investigation."
