She pressed her hand over mine. โTake it, hide it, and wait for the right moment.โ
My pulse hammered, but the USB was warm in my palm, a volatile promise of ruin.
Section 4 โ The Knock at Midnight
The apartment was silent save for the distant hum of traffic, the only rhythm my racing heart.
I spread the documents across the coffee table, each sheet a blade cutting deeper into Andrewโs empire.
โLook at this,โ Maya breathed, pointing to a ledger that listed a cascade of offshore transfers.
โHeโs been using my name as a front for years.โ
Before I could reply, a sharp knock shattered the stillness.
โWhoโs there?โ Maya called, voice steady despite the tremor in her hands.
The door creaked open to reveal a man in a black mask, his silhouette framed by the hallwayโs dim light.
โHand it over,โ he growled, brandishing a pistol that glinted menacingly.
My eyes flicked to the USB, glinting like a stolen jewel.
โVictor,โ I whispered, the name tasting like ash.
The enforcer stepped inside, his movements precise, his gaze locked on Maya.
โGive me the drive, Elena, and Iโll let your sister walk out alive.โ
My throat tightened. I lifted the USB, feeling Mayaโs pulse quicken beside me.
โFine,โ I said, voice trembling, โjustโฆ give me a minute.โ
Victorโs gun trained on Mayaโs chest, the barrel humming with cold promise.
In the shadows, the phone on the kitchen counter buzzedโOfficer Ramosโs number flashing on the screen.
Mayaโs fingers brushed the receiver, her eyes never leaving Victorโs weapon.
โElena, Iโm calling someone,โ she mouthed, a silent plea.
Victorโs jaw tightened, his grip on the pistol unwavering.
Suddenly, a second shot rang out, echoing through the cramped apartment.
Officer Ramosโs silhouette appeared in the doorway, his weapon smoking.
โYouโre making a mistake,โ he snarled, aiming at Maya.
Bullet met flesh. Maya collapsed, a gasp escaping her lips as blood blossomed across the floor.
Victorโs eyes widened, the gun wobbling in his hand.
My world narrowed to the cold metal in my palm and the scream that turned to silence.
Without a word, I slipped the USB into my coat, shoved the door open, and fled into the night, the sound of rain swallowing Mayaโs final cry.
Victorโs Threat Unraveling
Rain hammered the cracked pavement as Victorโs silhouette loomed in the doorway, a pistol glinting in the streetlight.
โHand over the drive,โ he snarled, his voice a low growl that made the shutters shiver.
I felt Mayaโs hand tremble on the table, the USB humming under my fingertips like a trapped bird.
โYou donโt have to do this,โ I whispered, buying a breath that stretched thin between us.
Victorโs eyes flicked to the hallway where the police sirens wailed, an uneasy pause cracking his resolve.
In that heartbeat, Officer Ramos stepped through the doorway, badge reflecting the rain.
โOfficer, weโreโโ he began, but his smile was flat, rehearsed.
โYou know why Iโm here, Elena,โ he said, voice oily with menace.
Before I could react, the barrel of Victorโs gun tilted upward, aimed at Mayaโs chest.
โDonโtโโ I lunged, but a deafening crack split the night as Ramosโs gun barked.
Maya crumpled, her shoulder blooming red, a gasp escaping her lips as she fell.
Time fractured. I dove behind the kitchen island, the cold metal of the counter biting my palms.
