Chapter 14
I stared at him, trying to discern the truth through his calculated words.
"Who?" I demanded.
Vance smiled faintly, a chilling sight in the moonlight.
"Let's go inside, Daniel. It's cold out here, and we have a lot of family history to catch up on."
"You aren't stepping foot in this house," James warned, his voice a low growl.
Vance didn't even look at James. He kept his eyes locked on mine.
"Sergeant Major Carter," Vance said smoothly.
"Your loyalty to the Brooks family is admirable."
"But look around you."
"Do you honestly think those four private security contractors you hired to watch the perimeter are still awake?"
James's posture changed instantly. A subtle, dangerous shift.
"What did you do to them?" James asked.
"They're sleeping," Vance replied carelessly.
"Non-lethal sedative darts. I don't want a body count, gentlemen."
"If I wanted you dead, this house would have been leveled by an untraceable drone strike ten minutes ago."
"I need Daniel alive."
"And Daniel needs me if he ever wants his family to sleep soundly again."
I looked back toward the dark living room.
I could see the silhouette of Claire watching through the window, her hand pressed against the glass.
She was terrified.
I couldn't keep running. This thing, this multi-generational curse, would follow us forever unless I cut the head off the snake right here.
"James, lower the weapon," I said quietly.
"Daniel, no," James muttered.
"Lower it, James. Let him in."
Vance nodded in approval, using his cane to slowly climb the wooden steps.
As he crossed the threshold into the dark house, he stopped and looked at me.
"You made the right choice, boy."
May you like
"Your father always was too stubborn for his own good."
"Let's hope you're smarter."
