Chapter 14: Ethan Sets the Trap
Charles contacted Ethan again.
This time, federal agents were ready.
“You have the Crown ledger,” Charles said.
“Yes,” Ethan replied.
“Bring it to Teterboro Airport at midnight.”
“What do I get?”
“Your freedom.”
“And Emily’s safety?”
Charles laughed quietly.
“You still confuse attachment with loyalty.”
Ethan’s jaw tightened.
“You taught me that mistake.”
A long silence followed.
Then Charles gave him instructions.
Ethan would arrive alone.
He would carry the Silver Queen in a black case.
No police.
No trackers.
No delay.
After the call ended, Ethan looked toward Emily.
“I’ll do it.”
Daniel shook his head.
“You’re not trained.”
“He expects me.”
“He may kill you.”
Ethan’s eyes remained on Emily.
“I helped cover up what happened to her. I spent my whole life letting fear make decisions for me.”
“This won’t undo that,” Emily said.
“I know.”
“Then why go?”
“Because for once, I want to choose what happens next.”
Emily studied him.
She saw no expectation of forgiveness in his face.
Only shame.
And perhaps the first trace of courage he had ever earned.
The operation was approved.
Agents built a replica of the Silver Queen containing a tracking device and remote microphone.
Ethan wore a second transmitter beneath his shirt.
Near midnight, a black SUV carried him toward the private airfield.
Emily watched through a secure video feed from her hospital room.
The runway glistened beneath light rain.
A jet waited near a dark hangar.
Senator Halston stood at the base of the stairs.
Beside him was Charles Montgomery.
Older than his memorial photographs.
Thinner.
But unmistakably alive.
Ethan stepped from the vehicle carrying the case.
Charles smiled.
“My son.”
Ethan stopped ten feet away.
“You lost the right to call me that.”
Charles’s smile disappeared.
“Give me the ledger.”
Ethan placed the case on the ground.
“Tell me why you chose Emily.”
“Because she was honest,” Charles replied. “Honest people are predictable.”
Emily heard every word.
May you like
Then Charles drew a gun.
“But survival belongs to those willing to become something else.”
