Chapter 7 - Back to the Crash Site
Rain began falling shortly before midnight.
The same road.
The same darkness.
Jackson parked near the barrier where his car had crashed.
Victor stood beneath an umbrella.
Two armed men guarded Evelyn.
Jackson stepped out holding the case.
“Release her.”
Victor smiled.
“Still impatient.”
“Still a murderer?”
Victor's smile disappeared.
Emily watched from a concealed vehicle farther uphill with Marcus.
A microphone transmitted everything.
Federal investigators were listening.
Victor didn't know.
Jackson needed a confession.
He pushed.
“You killed my father.”
Victor shrugged.
“Your father killed himself the moment he decided morality mattered more than loyalty.”
That was enough.
Marcus transmitted the recording.
But Victor noticed something.
Jackson's earpiece.
His expression changed.
“Search him.”
Jackson backed away.
Agents moved in.
Chaos erupted.
Victor grabbed Evelyn and forced her toward his car.
Emily abandoned the hiding place.
“Mrs. Reed!”
Victor saw her.
For the first time, genuine fear crossed his face.
“You.”
Emily stood in the rain.
“The woman you couldn't erase.”
Victor raised his weapon.
Jackson moved between them.
Agents shouted.
Victor hesitated.
That hesitation ended everything.
Marcus tackled him.
The weapon skidded across the wet pavement.
Federal officers surrounded Victor.
Jackson ran to his mother.
Emily stood several feet away, soaked and trembling.
Victor was handcuffed.
It should have been over.
Then he laughed.
Jackson turned.
“What?”
Victor smiled.
“You think I'm the only one?”
Jackson's expression changed.
Victor leaned closer.
“Your father wasn't investigating one man.”
He nodded toward the evidence case.
“He was investigating an organization.”
Jackson looked at Marcus.
Marcus looked disturbed.
Victor continued.
“And somebody inside your company is still working for them.”
The agents pulled him away.
Emily approached Jackson.
“So this isn't finished.”
“No.”
He took her hand.
May you like
“But we're not running anymore.”
For the first time, Emily believed him.
