Chapter 10 - Richard Hale's Offer
Marcus wanted answers.
Richard offered a deal.
“Walk away.”
Marcus laughed.
“You stole eleven years from me.”
“I gave you eleven years.”
Richard replied.
“You would have died otherwise.”
Marcus stared at him.
“Everyone keeps saying that.”
“Perhaps you should start believing it.”
Richard revealed the truth was larger than Hale Biodyne.
Politicians.
Pharmaceutical executives.
Insurance executives.
Hospital administrators.
The Circle wasn't Richard's organization.
Richard was merely one member.
Marcus's father had tried to expose them.
He died.
Anna tried.
She disappeared.
Samuel tried.
He became a ghost.
Marcus asked the only question that mattered.
“Where is Anna?”
Richard smiled.
“Alive.”
“Where?”
“Give me the Lazarus ledger.”
Marcus realized Richard believed he had it.
He didn't.
Not yet.
But Anna had hidden it somewhere.
Marcus looked at Eli.
Richard followed his gaze.
Then smiled.
That smile made Marcus's blood turn cold.
“You brought the boy.”
Marcus moved between them.
Richard's eyes remained on Eli.
“He looks like you.”
Marcus whispered.
“Stay away from him.”
Richard laughed softly.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“The thing we were always afraid you'd find.”
Marcus frowned.
Richard stepped closer.
“Something worth standing for.”
Then he walked away.
That night, Eli disappeared.
No broken doors.
No alarm.
No struggle.
Only his gray hoodie remained on the bed.
And beside it was a phone.
It rang.
Marcus answered.
May you like
Richard's voice came through.
“Now we negotiate.”
