Chapter 9 - THE PRICE OF THE LEDGERClaire woke inside an abandoned warehouse.
Her hands were tied.
Amelia was beside her.
The teenager was missing.
Claire whispered:
“Where is he?”
Amelia shook her head.
“I don't know.”
A door opened.
A man entered.
He wore a dark American business suit.
No mask.
No disguise.
Claire recognized him.
Ethan's uncle.
“You.”
He smiled.
“Hello, Claire.”
“You're alive.”
“So is Amelia.”
“Where is the boy?”
“Safe.”
“Let him go.”
“Give me the ledger.”
Claire laughed bitterly.
“You think I have it?”
“I know you do.”
She looked at Amelia.
Amelia whispered:
“Don't.”
The man placed a folder on the table.
Inside were photographs of Claire's father.
“You want to know what he did?”
Claire looked away.
“He helped us.”
“Then why did he die?”
“Because he betrayed us.”
Claire stared.
“He tried to expose the network.”
“Yes.”
“Then you killed him.”
The man smiled.
“Your father killed himself.”
Claire's eyes filled.
“You're lying.”
“Maybe.”
He leaned closer.
“But the ledger tells the truth.”
Ethan arrived.
He didn't come alone.
The retired detective came with him.
So did federal agents.
The warehouse was surrounded.
The doors exploded open.
Agents shouted.
People ran.
Claire heard gunfire.
Amelia pulled her down.
Ethan entered.
“Claire!”
She looked up.
“Ethan!”
He ran toward her.
The uncle escaped through a rear door.
Ethan untied Claire.
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Where's the boy?”
Claire pointed.
“They took him.”
Ethan's face hardened.
“We'll find him.”
Then Amelia approached.
Ethan froze.
“Amelia.”
She looked at him.
“You don't remember me.”
He shook his head.
“No.”
“I remember you.”
She looked at Claire.
“And I remember what your family did.”
Ethan lowered his eyes.
“I didn't know.”
“I know.”
She handed him a photograph.
A newborn baby.
“Your son.”
Ethan stared.
“Which one?”
Amelia's expression became grim.
“The one you've been protecting.”
She paused.
“His real name isn't the name on his birth certificate.”
Ethan looked up.
“What is his real name?”
Amelia whispered:
“Samuel Ross.”
May you like
Claire stared.
“That was my mother's maiden name.”
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