Chapter 17 - The Exchange
Rebecca demanded I come alone to an abandoned coastal estate once owned by her family.
She wanted documents transferring a block of my company shares into a trust she controlled.
And she wanted me.
The police wanted to stall.
I wanted Richard alive long enough to testify.
More than that, I wanted Rebecca caught before my daughter was born.
So we built an exchange.
I wore a wire.
Marcus placed trackers in the document case.
Evelyn prepared fake transfer papers convincing enough to survive a quick inspection.
At sunset, I entered the estate alone.
Rebecca stood in the ruined living room holding a gun.
Richard was tied near the fireplace.
His face crumpled when he saw me.
"You came."
"Don't mistake this for forgiveness."
Rebecca laughed.
"Still cold. No wonder he came back to me."
I set the case on the floor.
"You wanted the company. Take it. Let him go."
"It isn't the company I wanted."
She looked at my stomach.
"It was the life you got instead of me."
Behind her, Richard shook his head frantically.
Rebecca noticed.
"Tell her," she said.
He stayed silent.
She raised the gun toward him.
"Tell her who suggested the helicopter."
Richard closed his eyes.
Then whispered, "Daniel."
I froze.
Rebecca smiled.
"Your brother planned the murder. Richard was only supposed to make it happen."
May you like
Then a floorboard creaked behind me.
Someone else was inside the house.
