Chapter 10 - THE BOARDROOM ATTACK
Before Arthur could contact federal investigators, Malcolm struck first.
At nine that morning, Sterling Heavy Industries announced an emergency board meeting.
Arthur’s access to the corporate network was suspended.
News stations received edited footage from the mansion.
The video showed Sarah shoving Vanessa.
It did not show Vanessa burning Bella.
Headlines accused Arthur of protecting a violent employee.
By noon, reporters surrounded the company headquarters.
Malcolm stood before the cameras with a solemn expression.
“My brother is grieving.”
“He has made dangerous decisions.”
“For the safety of our employees and shareholders, the board must act.”
Arthur watched the broadcast from the lake house.
Sarah stood beside him.
“He is trying to remove you.”
“He is trying to gain access to the evidence Claire left.”
Arthur turned off the television.
Reyes entered with another problem.
“The police transport carrying Vanessa was attacked.”
Sarah’s stomach tightened.
“Is she dead?”
“No.”
“The officers prevented the attackers from reaching her.”
“But someone knew the exact route.”
Arthur looked at Marcus.
The security chief’s face hardened.
“Only five people knew.”
Reyes placed a list on the table.
One name belonged to Andrew Cole, Arthur’s personal driver.
Arthur remembered Claire’s warning.
Do not trust the person who arrives first.
Andrew had arrived at the mansion moments after Vanessa’s arrest.
He had offered to drive Bella to the hospital.
Marcus searched the security records.
Andrew had entered the lake house property thirty minutes earlier.
No one knew where he was now.
An alarm sounded.
The lights went out.
Bella screamed from the upstairs hallway.
Sarah ran before anyone could stop her.
She found Bella near the staircase.
A shadow moved behind her.
Andrew stepped from the darkness holding a cloth and a small bottle.
Sarah pulled Bella behind her.
Andrew raised both hands.
“You don’t understand.”
“Stay away from her.”
Sarah’s voice echoed through the house.
Andrew glanced toward the windows.
“Malcolm sent men here.”
“I came to warn you.”
Marcus arrived with his weapon drawn.
“On your knees.”
Andrew obeyed.
Then a gunshot shattered the window above them.
Glass fell across the staircase.
Marcus pulled Sarah and Bella behind the stone wall.
Security alarms began screaming.
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Vehicles crashed through the outer gate.
Malcolm had found the lake house.
