Chapter 9 - The Cliff Edge
The driver slammed hard on the brakes, sending the black SUV into a terrifying 360-degree spin on the wet road.
Tires shrieked against the asphalt as the vehicle skidded dangerously close to the edge of the cliff.
The SUV ground to a sudden, violent halt just inches away from the wooden safety railing overlooking the drop.
Behind them, the three dark sedans blocked the entire highway, trapping them completely.
The doors of the sedans flew open, and six armed men in dark suits stepped out into the rain.
Julian stepped out from the middle car, holding a black umbrella over his head.
He walked calmly toward the SUV, a cold, calculating smile on his face.
"Get out of the vehicle, Eleanor," Julian's voice echoed through the dark night air.
"You have nowhere left to run," Julian said, stopping a few feet away from the driver's door.
Eleanor looked at her mother, whose face was completely pale with fear.
"Stay in the car, Eleanor," her mother whispered, holding her hand tightly.
"If I go out there, he might spare you and Lily," Eleanor said, her eyes filling with tears.
"No! He won't spare anyone!" her mother pleaded.
Eleanor unlocked her door and stepped out into the pouring rain, standing tall in her ruined dress.
Julian chuckled softly, stepping closer to her with his umbrella held high.
"You always were so dramatic, my darling Eleanor," Julian said smoothly.
"Give me the locket and your mother, and we can still go on our honeymoon," Julian offered wickedly.
"I will never give you anything again, Julian," Eleanor spat, staring at him with pure hatred.
Julian sighed heavily, shaking his head with mock sadness.
He reached inside his suit coat and pulled out a sleek black handgun.
He pointed the barrel directly at Eleanor's heart.
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"Then I suppose your mother will have to watch her daughter die twice," Julian whispered.
Suddenly, a loud siren roared from the trees nearby as blinding red and blue lights illuminated the entire cliffside.
