Chapter 13 - The Secret in the Boathouse
Ethan broke through the thick tree line, reaching the dark, weather-beaten wooden structure standing on the lake shore.
The heavy rain was creating thick fog over the black water, reducing visibility down to a few feet.
Ethan yanked open the small side door of the boathouse, slipping inside and bolting the heavy iron latch shut behind him.
The interior smelled of old motor oil, wet pine wood, and vintage fiberglass from the boat docked in the slip.
Ethan set the baby down inside a padded life-vest storage bin, making sure the infant was warm and completely secure.
He pulled his phone from his pocket, amazed to find the device still functional despite the heavy rainfall outside.
He dialed a private number he hadn't called in over eight years—his late father's original security chief, Arthur Pendelton.
"Arthur," Ethan rasped into the receiver, clutching his wounded shoulder as he stood in the dark boathouse.
"Ethan?" Arthur's weathered voice responded instantly, full of sharp surprise. "Where are you? Your house is lit up on the news!"
"I have my son, Arthur," Ethan said, his voice shaking with raw emotion. "They're trying to take him."
"They know about the Rostov chip?" Arthur asked quietly, his voice dropping into a solemn tone.
Ethan froze in place, his heart sinking into his stomach. "You knew about this too, Arthur?"
"Your father spent the last ten years of his life trying to undo what he built with Nikolai Rostov, Ethan," Arthur explained softly.
"That chip doesn't just hold bank accounts... it holds the complete list of every corrupt official in Washington and Wall Street."
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"Your father gave his life to protect that key, Ethan. If it falls into Marcus Cole's hands, the syndicate will own this country."
Suddenly, the heavy wooden side door of the boathouse splintered outward as an explosive charge detonated against the lock.
