Chapter 13 - UNDER THE BED
Marcus searched the room.
Khloe looked toward the bed.
"Isabella was near the floor before I fell."
Marcus crouched.
A ledger.
Owen Price appeared on nearly every page.
So did Thomas Reeve.
Dr. Wells.
Elaine looked ashamed.
Marcus held the notebook up.
"This is what he wants?"
"This can put him away for life."
"Owen took Isabella to the roof stairwell."
Marcus showed him the ledger.
Avery immediately photographed every page and sent copies to police servers.
"Now the book is worthless as leverage."
"No," Elaine said. "Owen doesn't know that."
Avery looked at Marcus.
"You stay here."
Marcus laughed once.
"That plan hasn't worked all day."
"It works now."
Khloe tightened her grip on Marcus's hand.
"Go."
"Bring your sister back alive. Then let the law finish this."
Police surrounded the stairwell but held position.
Owen had a gun.
Isabella was crying behind the metal door.
Marcus called out.
"Owen!"
"I have the ledger."
"Come alone."
Avery shook his head.
"You know that's not happening."
Owen laughed.
"Then Isabella goes over."
Marcus heard her scream.
"Okay."
Avery whispered, "Marcus."
"It's my family."
"That's exactly why you're not thinking clearly."
Marcus looked at him.
"For the first time, I am."
He handed Avery his phone, then entered the stairwell with the ledger.
Owen stood on the roof with one arm around Isabella's neck.
"Give it to me," Owen said.
"You used her."
Owen smiled.
"Your sister didn't need much help."
Isabella cried, "Marcus, don't."
For years he had thought strength meant never letting family fall.
Marcus threw the ledger sideways.
Owen turned instinctively.
Isabella drove her heel down onto his foot and broke free.
Avery's team rushed through the door.
Owen fired once.
Police tackled him.
May you like
Marcus pulled Isabella away from the edge.
"He's not the one who poisoned your father."
