Scrambled Memories

Before Daniel could answer, the security console on the wall chimed sharply—a low, rhythmic pulse indicating a perimeter breach at the front gate.

Marcus burst into the room from the hallway, his face grim, holding a tactical tablet.

""Boss, we've got company,"" Marcus announced without preamble. ""Three black sedans just bypassed our outer sensors. They're coming up the private drive. License plates are registered directly to Vance Enterprises security division.""

Elena gasped, pulling her hand away from Daniel’s and backing her chair up from the table. ""They found us! How did they find us?!""

""It doesn't matter how they found us,"" Daniel said, standing up with cold, absolute resolve. He walked over to the secure wall safe behind the study desk, punched in his master code, and pulled out a heavy steel case containing a satellite communications uplink and a signed federal deposition.

He turned back to Elena and Mia.

""Marcus, take them down to the panic shelter in the sub-basement,"" Daniel ordered, his voice brooking no argument.

""No, Daniel, I'm not leaving you here alone,"" Elena protested, stepping toward him, her eyes wide with terror. ""Arthur is ruthless! He destroyed me once, he'll destroy you too!""

""He won't destroy anyone,"" Daniel said, stepping close and cupping her face in his hands, kissing her forehead tenderly. ""Because tonight, the game is over. I have the federal prosecutor standing by on standby with an active arrest warrant for corporate kidnapping and fraud. All I need to do is open the front door.""

The heavy oak front door of the safehouse shuddered under a violent, deafening knock.

""Open the door, Daniel!"" a cold, familiar voice echoed from the porch outside—Arthur Vance. ""We know she's in there! Don't make this harder than it has to be for the family!""

Daniel looked at Marcus. ""Take them down. Now.""