Chapter 6 - CORNERED BEAST
“Open the door, Caroline,” Andrew’s voice was muffled through the heavy wood, but the venom in it was unmistakable. “I know you have Nicole’s drive. Marcus’s people are watching you. If you give it to me, I’ll drop the custody suit. I’ll disappear.” I backed away from the door, holding Maya tight against my chest. She whimpered, sensing my terror, but I shushed her gently. “The police are already on their way, Andrew,” I called out, forcing my voice to remain steady.
“You always were too smart for your own good,” he sneered, and I heard the sickening sound of wood splintering as he threw his weight against the door. He was desperate. Marcus must have realized the data was missing and threatened him. Andrew was trapped between a federal investigation and a ruthless syndicate, and he was taking it out on me. The door frame cracked. I grabbed the heavy brass lamp from the nightstand. As the door burst open, Andrew lunged into the room, his eyes wild and bloodshot. He reached for me, but he never made contact. Red and blue lights flooded the bedroom window, accompanied by the screech of tires on the pavement outside. The federal prosecutor hadn't just taken my call—he had sent the FBI. Andrew froze, staring at the flashing lights, realizing his escape route was completely gone. He looked at me, a pathetic, broken man. “You ruined me,” he whispered. I stared right back. “No. I just read the spreadsheets.”
