Chapter 5 - A DEADLY VOICEMAIL
Clara stared at the ringing phone with hesitant eyes.
Eleanor stepped closer, her heart hammering inside her ribcage.
"Don't answer it directly," Eleanor whispered nervously.
"Let the answering machine pick up."
The phone rang two more times before the automated machine beeped.
A voice filled the small basement room through the speaker.
It was not a police officer.
It was Victoria Sterling.
"I know she is with you, Clara," Victoria’s calm, cruel voice echoed.
"Do not play the hero for a girl who has nothing."
"If Eleanor doesn't hand herself over by sunrise, her little brother Leo pays the price."
"We already have him."
Eleanor let out a sharp, choked sob and covered her mouth.
"Leo..." Eleanor gasped, tears streaming down her face.
The recording ended with a cold click.
Clara turned to Eleanor with deep concern in her eyes.
"They are trying to bait you into a trap," Clara said urgently.
"If you go to them alone, they will eliminate both of you."
"I can't just sit here while they have my brother!" Eleanor screamed quietly.
"Richard has connections everywhere, Eleanor," Clara reminded her.
"We need proof before we make a single move."
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"Proof of what?" Eleanor asked desperately.
"Proof that Victoria and Richard set that mansion on fire themselves," Clara replied.
