Chapter 5 - The Blackout
Julian shoved the letter and flash drive into his jacket.
“Maya, stay with Leo.”
“No,” Leo said immediately.
“You’re not coming downstairs.”
“What if it’s her?”
“Then I don’t want you anywhere near her.”
Julian took a flashlight from the desk and stepped into the dark hall.
The mansion felt different without power. Too large. Too quiet.
He reached the main landing.
A side window near the library had been smashed.
One security officer lay conscious but dazed against the wall.
“Sir,” he groaned. “Someone hit the backup panel.”
“Where’s Eleanor?”
“Guest wing door is open.”
Julian swore.
Footsteps sounded below.
“Eleanor!”
A shadow moved across the foyer.
Julian ran.
He reached the front hall just as the emergency generator kicked in.
The lights flickered.
Eleanor stood near the front door wearing a coat over her silk blouse.
In her hand was Leo’s trust folder.
Julian stopped.
“Put it down.”
She looked almost disappointed. “You always were faster when you were angry.”
“You cut the power?”
“No.”
“Then who did?”
“I have no idea.”
He moved closer.
“You pushed my son.”
“He grabbed me first.”
“He weighs seventy pounds.”
“He was hysterical.”
“You forged my signature.”
“I protected what you were too distracted to protect.”
Julian’s laugh was sharp. “From my eleven-year-old?”
“From what happens when he turns twelve.”
“What happens?”
For the first time, Eleanor looked afraid.
“Ask your dead wife.”
Julian’s hand went to the flash drive in his pocket.
Eleanor noticed.
Her eyes changed.
“You found it.”
“Found what?”
“The blue box.”
Julian went still.
Eleanor lunged for his jacket.
He caught her wrist.
“Don’t.”
“You have no idea what’s on that drive.”
“So tell me.”
“If you open it, you will destroy your father’s company, your family name, and probably yourself.”
“My father is dead.”
“Exactly.”
A siren sounded outside.
Eleanor pulled free and backed toward the door.
“You think I’m the villain because I pushed a spoiled child away from me.”
Julian’s face hardened.
“You pushed my son down marble stairs.”
“And I’m telling you that is the smallest thing you’re going to discover tonight.”
Police lights flashed through the windows.
Then Maya screamed from upstairs.
“JULIAN!”
May you like
He turned.
Leo was gone.
