Chapter 4 - The Net Tightens
By the time we returned home, the atmosphere in the car was suffocating. Derek hadn't spoken a word since we left the building. He was fuming, his knuckles white against the steering wheel.
"What the hell was that?" he finally erupted as we pulled into the driveway. "You nearly sabotaged the entire deal!"
"I don't know what you mean," I said, my voice sounding hollow even to me. "I was just being honest. You've changed so much here. I’m sure it’s for the best."
Marlene turned from the passenger seat, her eyes narrowing. "You’ve been acting strange all day. Is there something you’re not telling us?"
I felt the phone in my pocket. A silent vibration notified me of a message from Elena: Files received. The Feds are being looped in tomorrow. Stay safe.
I looked at them—these two parasites who had stolen my life, my father’s legacy, and my physical safety. I allowed a small, almost imperceptible smile to touch my lips.
"I’m just tired, Marlene," I said, opening the car door. "And I think... I think I'm finally starting to remember exactly who I am."
May you like
I walked toward the house, leaving them in the driveway. I knew they would try to break me again tonight. I knew the danger was at its peak. But as I walked into the house, I realized something: for the first time in three years, I wasn't afraid.
I had the truth. And the truth was a weapon they had no idea how to defend against.
