Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN ON THE ROOF
Kendra chose Meridian’s unfinished Lakeshore Tower for the exchange.
Forty-seven stories of steel and glass stood above the river, empty after midnight.
My father wanted federal agents to handle it.
Mara wanted more time.
Victor wanted me to arrive alone.
I did none of those things.
I entered the tower carrying a false key while Mara’s tactical team climbed through service shafts.
Russell monitored the building systems from a command van.
My father stayed beside him only because I threatened to cancel the operation if he followed me inside.
Victor waited on the thirty-ninth floor.
His expensive suit was torn.
Blood marked one side of his mouth.
For the first time since I knew him, he looked honestly afraid.
“She took Mom upstairs.”
“Why are you free?”
“She wants us together.”
“Us?”
“She says you will believe me if I look helpless.”
I moved past him.
He caught my wrist, then released it when he saw my expression.
“I’m sorry about last night.”
“No.”
“You’re sorry about tonight.”
“That is different.”
We reached the roof.
Wind tore across the unfinished concrete.
Eleanor sat near the ledge with plastic restraints around her wrists.
Kendra stood behind her holding a pistol.
She no longer looked polished.
Her hair whipped across her face.
Her smile was raw.
“Hello, cousin.”
Russell heard the word through my concealed microphone.
I saw him flinch on the monitor attached to my sleeve.
Kendra demanded the brass plate.
I held it up.
“Release Eleanor.”
“She called you trash for seven years.”
“She did.”
“She helped Victor humiliate you.”
“Yes.”
“Then why save her?”
“Because I am not you.”
The answer angered her.
She pressed the gun against Eleanor’s shoulder.
Eleanor began crying.
“Olivia, please.”
It was the first time she had ever asked me for anything without contempt.
Victor stepped toward Kendra.
“You used me.”
She laughed.
“You were born begging to be used.”
“You wanted status more than truth.”
“You wanted a beautiful woman more than a loyal one.”
“You handed me Olivia’s passwords because I called you brilliant.”
Victor’s shame became rage.
He lunged.
The gun fired.
Eleanor screamed.
Victor fell against the concrete with blood spreading across his shoulder.
Kendra grabbed the brass plate from my hand.
She examined it and realized it was fake.
Her eyes lifted.
“Where is the real key?”
A voice answered from the stairwell.
“With me.”
Russell stepped onto the roof holding the original plate.
Kendra’s face changed.
“Uncle Russell.”
May you like
He looked at Daniel’s daughter as if twenty years had collapsed between them.
Then she aimed the gun at his heart.
