Chapter 5 - The Railyard Standoff
The abandoned railyard smelled of rust and rotting wood. Chloe was perched on the roof of a rusted-out boxcar with a long-lens camera and a directional microphone. I stood in the shadows, my face obscured by the hood, holding a dummy envelope.
Headlights cut through the fog. Mark’s SUV rolled to a stop, crunching on the gravel. He stepped out, holding a heavy duffel bag. He looked nervous, his eyes darting into the darkness.
"I'm here!" Mark called out, his voice cracking slightly. "I have the money!"
I stepped out from behind a concrete pillar, keeping my head down. I altered my voice, making it gruff. "Toss the bag."
"Show me the drive first," Mark demanded, trying to sound tough.
"You killed an old man for a watch and a property dispute frame-up," I rasped. "You really think you're in a position to negotiate, Mark?"
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"It wasn't my idea!" Mark blurted out, his nerve breaking instantly. "It was Sarah's! She hit him! She wanted the life insurance on Elias, but she needed a reason for him to go away or end up dead! I just helped her move the body! Please, just take the money."
My heart pounded. I had it. The audio confession. But then, a red laser dot appeared on my chest.
