Chapter 9
The rain seemed to freeze in mid-air as the Senator’s words sank deep into my mind.
“My father died in a plane crash ten years ago,” I said, my voice trembling for the first time all night.
“We buried his remains in the family plot in Westchester.”
Senator Sterling took a slow step forward on the wooden dock, his cane tapping rhythmically against the planks.
“We buried an empty coffin, Amelia,” the Senator corrected softly.
“Your father needed to vanish when the federal audit began in 2016.”
“He built Grand Haven to fund his retirement in offshore secrecy, using Richard and Vanessa as front managers.”
“And my illness in London?” I asked, cold rage beginning to burn through the shock.
“Was that part of his retirement plan too?”
The Senator’s smile faded, replaced by a subtle look of genuine disappointment.
“That was Vanessa’s idea,” Sterling admitted.
“She got greedy. She wanted the resort’s revenue cleared before your father returned to claim it.”
“Which is why I let you drop her in front of every camera in the lobby tonight.”
I stared at the Senator, realization dawning on me with sickening clarity.
The entire scene in the lobby—Vanessa dragging me by my chain, Richard standing by doing nothing—had been permitted.
The Senator had let his own daughter destroy herself so I would come out of hiding and open Vault 9.
“You needed my thumbprint,” I whispered.
“Biometric scanners require living tissue, Amelia,” Sterling said, pointing to the leather bag at my side.
“Vault 9 couldn't be opened without you. And now, you’ve brought me the ledger.”
May you like
Two armed men stepped out from the cabin of the Clara, their weapons pointed directly at Marcus and me.
“Hand over the bag, Amelia,” Senator Sterling commanded quietly. “And let’s go see your father.”
