Chapter 5 - The Safe House
Uncle Thomas stepped into the amber light, his piercing blue eyes fixed entirely on Bradley. The heavy iron wrench hung casually at his side, but the raw authority in his posture made Bradley halt instantly. The corporate predator swallowed hard, shifting his weight between the open warehouse door and his idling SUV.
"Turn around, son," Thomas said, his voice like grinding stones. "You're trespassing on private dock property, and you're harassing my niece."
Bradley forced a nervous laugh, trying to regain his footing. "Mr. Vance, right? Look, this is a private family matter. Maddie took documents that belong to our corporate entity—"
"Maddie took what is rightfully hers," Thomas interrupted, stepping closer until he towered over Bradley. "And if you take one more step toward her, I won't just call the harbor police. I'll feed you to the local dockworkers who owe me favors from thirty years ago. Now, get back in your car and drive."
Bradley glared at Maddie one last time, a look of pure, unadulterated venom flashing across his features. "This isn't over, Maddie. You'll be begging for a settlement by morning." He turned sharply, marched back to his SUV, and threw it into reverse, tires screaming against the asphalt as he sped away into the night.
Maddie exhaled a breath she felt like she’d been holding for months. Her knees suddenly felt weak, the adrenaline crash hitting her with brutal efficiency. She gripped the edge of the sports car to steady herself, the shimmering gold sequins catching the harbor light.
Thomas immediately dropped the wrench, his tough exterior melting into familial concern. He rushed forward, wrapping a heavy canvas work jacket around her shivering shoulders. "You're freezing, kiddo. Let's get you inside before you catch pneumonia."
Inside the dimly lit harbor office, the smell of old paper, coffee, and salt hung thick in the air. Maddie sat on a worn leather sofa, a steaming mug of black coffee between her hands. Thomas placed the manila folder on the wooden desk under a single overhead bulb.
"He's laundering money for an international syndicate, isn't he?" Thomas asked quietly, flipping open the top page.
May you like
Maddie nodded, staring into the dark coffee. "And I helped him build the bridge."
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