Chapter 19 - THE DOCKS AT MIDNIGHT
Dense, freezing fog rolled off the ocean, thick over the rusted metal shipping containers at Pier 4.
The waves crashed rhythmically against the wooden pylons below.
Elena stepped out of her car, holding a heavy black duffel bag in her right hand.
Her feet echoed on the damp wooden planks of the pier.
"I'm here!" Elena called out into the thick white fog.
"Show yourself!"
From the shadow of a rusted crane, three figures emerged.
Dr. Evans walked out first, holding a small electronic remote control.
Behind her stood Ethan Vance, his silver knife glinting in the pale moonlight.
Bound to a wooden chair near the edge of the pier was Marcus Kane.
His face was bruised, his dark suit torn, but his eyes were sharp and furious.
"Elena, don't do it!" Marcus shouted through his bloodied lips.
"It’s a trap!"
Ethan stepped forward, taking the heavy black duffel bag from Elena’s trembling hand.
He unzipped it, staring at the thick stacks of hundred-dollar bills inside.
"Fascinating," Ethan breathed out, a sick smile spreading across his scar.
"The entire Vance empire, reduced to a bag of paper."
"I gave you the money!" Elena yelled, stepping toward Marcus.
"Now let him go!"
Dr. Evans pressed a button on her remote control.
A mechanical winch overhead clicked into gear.
A heavy steel shipping container suspended high above Marcus’s head began to lower slowly.
"You really are as naive as your files said, Elena," Dr. Evans said coldly.
"Did you really think we would let the two of you leave this pier alive?"
"Once you and Kane disappear into the harbor, Ethan will claim the Vance estate as the sole remaining heir."
"And the story ends."
Ethan raised his pistol, pointing it directly between Elena’s eyes.
"Say goodbye to your precious daughter, Elena," Ethan sneered.
"NO!" Marcus roared, thrashing against his ropes.
Ethan’s finger tightened on the trigger.
May you like
VROOOOOOM!
The deafening roar of a heavy motorcycle engine shattered the midnight silence.
