Chapter 9 - The Safehouse
The SUV pulled up to an abandoned industrial warehouse on the edge of the docks.
Rain poured down relentlessly from the pitch-black sky.
Marcus unlocked the heavy metal door and pushed Mark inside.
The interior was illuminated by flickering yellow floodlights.
Computer screens, surveillance monitors, and maps covered the far walls.
"This is where we operate," Marcus said, shutting the door behind them.
Victoria Sterling was already standing by the primary monitor.
She turned around as Mark walked in, covered in rain and soot.
"I see you made it out alive," Victoria said calmly.
"You staged a prison transport crash?!" Mark gasped.
"We did what was necessary to save your life," Victoria replied flatly.
"The police are currently launching a statewide manhunt for you," she added.
She tapped a key on the keyboard.
A live news broadcast appeared on the main screen.
A news anchor was speaking urgently in front of a mugshot of Mark.
"Escaped convict Mark Miller is considered armed and extremely dangerous..." the anchor said.
"He is wanted for the brutal assault of his children and escaping police custody..."
Mark stared at the television screen in utter horror.
"They've turned the whole state against me," Mark said softly.
"They want you desperate," Victoria explained.
"They want you to make a mistake so they can shoot you on sight."
Mark walked up to the main display board.
Pinned to the board were photos of Sarah, Judge Vance, and three unknown men in tactical gear.
"Who are these men?" Mark pointed at the photos.
"That is Sarah's mercenary team," Marcus answered.
"They specialize in rich family liquidations and fraudulent estate claims."
"They've done this before?" Mark asked, horrified.
"Three times in other states," Victoria said grimly.
" wealthy families, mysterious deaths, untraceable trust transfers."
"Sarah is their inside operative," Victoria added.
"She marries into the target family, builds a domestic abuse narrative, and eliminates the spouse."
Mark felt a sudden, sickening wave of nausea.
"My entire life with her..." Mark whispered.
"...was just a hit job."
"Yes," Victoria confirmed coldly.
"And her timer runs out in six days when Emma turns eight."
Suddenly, a loud red light began flashing on the security console.
A high-pitched alarm echoed through the metallic warehouse.
"We've been tracked!" Marcus shouted, pulling a handgun from his holster.
May you like
The front warehouse doors were suddenly blown inward with a deafening explosion.
BOOM!
