Chapter 17 - Unmasked
The burning figure took a agonizing step forward, the flames reflecting wild terror in his eyes.
Detective Vance immediately raised his sidearm, taking precise aim through the thick, black smoke.
The man collapsed to his knees, clutching a severe wound on his side, his face illuminated by the fire.
It was Julian, his tailored suit scorched and covered in soot and ash.
"You can't leave me here..." Julian gasped, coughing violently as smoke filled his lungs.
"The vault keys... the family records... you'll never prove anything without me!"
Julianne stepped forward, looking down at her dying husband without a single shred of mercy.
"We don't need your records anymore, Julian," she said in a cold, quiet voice.
"The children are coming with us, and your empire burns tonight."
Julian reached out a shaking hand, grabbing the hem of Clara's coat.
"Clara... ask your brother why he really took this case," Julian choked out, a grotesque grin spreading across his face.
"Ask him who paid for his detective academy tuition ten years ago."
Clara froze on the burning threshold, her head snapping toward her brother.
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Detective Vance’s jaw tightened, but he didn't lower his gun.
"Don't listen to him, Clara," Detective Vance barked. "We have to move NOW!"
