Chapter 6 - Cornered
“Don't let him up,” I barked into the intercom. “Tell him I am entertaining a guest and not to be disturbed.”
“Sir,” the guard replied, his voice strained. “He has six men with him. They’re bypassing the front desk. They’re on the elevator.”
I killed the intercom. “Lena. The panic room. Now.”
I pushed a hidden panel in the library bookshelf. A steel door slid open. It was reinforced, soundproof, and had its own ventilation and communication lines. Lena clutched Grace tightly. She looked terrified, but she didn't argue. She stepped inside.
“I won't let them take her,” Lena whispered fiercely.
“They have to go through me first,” I promised, kissing her forehead. I slammed the steel door shut and reset the bookcase.
A minute later, the elevator doors in my foyer chimed open. Trent stepped out. He was a massive man, wearing a tailored suit that couldn't hide his violent nature. Four men stood behind him, hands resting casually near their holsters.
“Daniel,” Trent said, attempting a respectful nod that felt more like a threat. “Your mother sent me. She’s concerned about your safety.”
“I’m perfectly safe, Trent. Get out of my home.”
Trent didn't move. His cold eyes scanned the penthouse. He noted the extra groceries. The baby toys I hadn't managed to hide quickly enough.
“Eleanor received some troubling news tonight,” Trent said smoothly. “A report from a cabin in Montana. It seems a... package... went missing a few weeks ago. We have reason to believe it found its way here.”
My heart hammered against my ribs, but my face remained a mask of stone. “I don't know what you’re talking about. Leave.”
“We need to search the premises, Daniel. For your own good.” He took a step forward.
I didn't hesitate. I pulled the SIG Sauer 9mm from the holster under my jacket and leveled it right at Trent’s chest. The four men behind him immediately drew their weapons, pointing them at me.
“You take one more step, Trent, and I’ll put a bullet through your heart,” I said, my voice dead calm.
Trent stopped. He raised his hands slowly, a mocking smile on his face. “You’re a businessman, Daniel. Not a killer. You won't pull that trigger.”
“You killed my wife,” I lied, keeping my eyes locked on his. “You stole my life. Try me.”
For a long, agonizing moment, nobody moved. The tension was thick enough to choke on. Then, Trent’s earpiece buzzed. He listened, his smile fading into a scowl. “Understood,” he muttered into his collar.
May you like
He looked at me, his eyes promising violence. “Your mother says to stand down. She wants you at the estate. Tomorrow morning. The board meeting.” He motioned to his men. They lowered their guns and backed into the elevator. “Bring the girl, Daniel. It’s over.”
The doors closed. I lowered my gun, my hands shaking violently. It wasn't over. It was just beginning.
