Chapter 4 - The Room Behind the Ballroom
Rachel woke on a concrete floor.
Her wrists were restrained behind her.
A tactical boot pressed against her injured ribs.
She was beneath the estate, inside a converted wine cellar filled with computer equipment and metal cases.
Evan stood nearby without his jacket.
Beside him was Congressman Voss.
Jessica sat in a chair, crying silently.
Her bridal veil had been removed.
“What did you tell her?” Rachel asked.
Evan crouched.
“That you’re unstable.”
“I meant about Meridian.”
Jessica looked confused.
Congressman Voss’s expression changed.
Evan struck Rachel across the face.
Jessica flinched.
“Stop!”
Evan turned on her.
“You wanted answers about your sister. Now you’re getting them.”
Jessica had discovered a locked file inside Evan’s office two weeks before the wedding.
It contained photographs of Rachel entering military facilities.
Evan convinced her that Rachel was involved in illegal arms trafficking.
He told Jessica the marriage would give the Voss family authority to protect the Coles from Rachel’s crimes.
Jessica believed him.
Now Evan showed her a different file.
It contained Richard Cole’s company records.
For eight years, Richard’s manufacturing business had unknowingly supplied electronic components to Meridian contractors.
The Voss family had arranged the contracts.
They owned evidence capable of sending Richard to prison.
“You used my father,” Rachel said.
“We used all of you,” Congressman Voss replied.
Evan wanted Rachel’s Black Echo access codes.
He believed she carried them on an encrypted drive.
Rachel denied having it.
The boot pressed harder against her ribs.
Jessica stood.
“Leave her alone.”
Evan grabbed Jessica’s arm.
Rachel saw fear replace confusion on her sister’s face.
Not fear for Rachel.
Fear of the man she had just married.
Rachel moved before the guard could react.
May you like
She twisted beneath his weight, trapped his ankle, and pulled him down.
Then the lights went out.
