Chapter 8: The Price of Greed
Sterling held out his hand. “The tape and the ledger, Derek. Give them to me, and Dr. Miller walks out of here unharmed.”
Derek looked at Angela. Her eyes pleaded with him not to surrender the truth, but Derek remembered his father’s words: *Protect those who cannot protect themselves.* Human life was never a bargaining chip.
“Take it,” Derek said, setting the briefcase on the metal table between them.
Sterling chuckled smugly, popping the latches and inspecting the ledger and cassette. “Remarkable. Arthur Vance always was meticulous. A pity he didn't stay under six feet of dirt where he belonged.”
Sterling nodded to the guards. “Tie them both up. Once the board meeting concludes at noon, make sure they take a swim in the harbor.”
“You won’t get away with this, Sterling,” Derek said calmly.
“I already have,” Sterling replied, picking up the case and turning toward the exit. “History is written by the rich, Derek. Your father’s quaint charity ends today.”
As the heavy metal door clicked shut, leaving Derek and Angela bound in the dim room, Derek leaned his head back against the post.
May you like
“Angela,” Derek whispered. “Can you reach the cufflink in my right sleeve?”
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