Chapter 9 - The Figure in the Shadows
The shadowy figure slipping through the side exit was wearing a heavy wool cloak, its hood pulled low to obscure their face entirely. Julian strained against the grip of the two police officers, his eyes locked on the escaping silhouette as the heavy door began to swing shut.
Who is that? Julian shouted, twisting his shoulder in a desperate attempt to break free from the handcuffs. Look at the side door! There’s someone else involved!
Detective Miller tightened his grip on Julian’s arm, ignoring the frantic thrashing of the arrested groom.
Save your statements for the interrogation room, Mr. Thorne, Miller said flatly, guiding him firmly toward the main exit where the flashing red and blue lights of police cruisers painted the marble lobby.
Elena remained collapsed on the floor near the sweetheart table, her white wedding dress ruined by spilled champagne and dust. She rocked back and forth, her hands buried in her face, muttering incoherently to herself as the guests began to evacuate the hall in a silent, hurried rush. No one stopped to offer her a comforting hand or a tissue. The illusion of perfection had shattered beyond repair.
Arthur watched Julian being dragged away, his expression remaining grim and unreadable. He turned his head slowly, his eyes meeting Clara’s across the ruined stage.
Did you see who that was by the side door? Clara asked quietly, stepping closer to Arthur while keeping her voice low enough to avoid the police officers.
Arthur’s jaw tightened. He gave a slow, deliberate nod.
I saw, Arthur murmured, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the closed side door. They thought they could watch the ship sink from a safe distance and walk away with the remaining accounts.
Maya released her grip on Clara’s coat, stepping forward with surprising maturity. She reached down and picked up the heavy silver microphone that Julian had dropped earlier, its metal surface still cold.
They left the flash drive in the back room, Maya said, holding up a small black USB drive that she had retrieved from beneath the head table.
Arthur looked down at the child, a faint, weary sigh escaping his lips. He knelt down so he was at eye level with the young girl, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.
You did remarkably well, Maya, Arthur said, his voice softening for the first time all evening. Are you ready for the next part?
Maya nodded without hesitation, her dark eyes flashing with a determination that mirrored Clara’s.
I want to plug it into the main terminal in the lobby, Maya replied clearly. Before they make it to the elevators.
Clara glanced toward the exit, listening to the muffled sound of police sirens wailing outside in the night air.
Move quickly, Clara warned, her voice urgent. If they reach the parking garage before we upload the final ledger, the rest of the conspirators will scatter across the state line by morning.
May you like
Arthur stood up, his face hardening as he turned toward the lobby doors. But before they could take a single step toward the exit, the lights in the banquet hall flickered violently, and a loud, electronic screech echoed from the massive projector screen.
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