Chapter 10 - The Woman in the Garage
Clara heard the garage door click before she saw anyone.
She had stayed behind to collect Ethan’s blanket while Victor and Marcus were still at the security office.
The service hall was empty.
Then a woman stepped out from behind Victor’s SUV.
Helena Blackwood looked like Victor around the eyes. Same dark stare. Same straight posture.
“Clara Ruiz,” she said.
Clara backed toward the door.
“You’re supposed to be in London.”
Helena smiled. “People believe what paperwork tells them.”
“Why Ethan?”
“Because children are leverage.”
The casual way she said it made Clara’s skin crawl.
“You hurt him.”
“I protected the family.”
“You drugged a two-year-old.”
“I kept him manageable.”
Clara’s hand found the panic button on the wall behind her.
Helena noticed.
“Don’t.”
Clara pressed it.
Nothing happened.
Helena laughed softly. “I built half the system in this house.”
She stepped closer.
“Serena was useful because she was vain. Daniel was useful because he was loyal. You were a problem because Ethan loved you.”
Clara’s voice shook. “You killed Naomi.”
For the first time, Helena’s expression changed.
“She should have stopped digging.”
Clara stared.
It was not a denial.
Footsteps sounded in the hall.
Helena grabbed Clara by the hair and pulled a small knife from her coat.
“Make a sound and you won’t see that little boy again.”
The door opened.
Victor stood there.
He took in the knife, Clara’s face, and his sister’s hand twisted in her hair.
“Let her go.”
Helena smiled.
“Still giving orders like Dad taught you.”
Victor’s eyes went cold.
“No. Dad taught me to protect the company.”
He looked at Clara.
“Naomi taught me to protect people.”
Helena tightened her grip.
Then the garage lights flashed red.
May you like
Marcus’s voice came through the ceiling speakers.
“Helena, the entire conversation is recorded.”
