Chapter 6 - The Amnesia of the Innocent
Clara clutched the lapels of Esteban’s shirt, her fingers digging into the fabric as if she were afraid he would dissolve into smoke the moment she let go.
“They said... they said you moved on,” Clara whispered, her voice catching in a violent, wracking cough. “Arthur... Arthur told me you married Samantha. He showed me the magazines... the pictures in the papers. He said if I ever tried to leave this room, Maya would be taken away and put in the state system.”
Esteban held her tighter, kissing her forehead, her hair, her trembling hands.
“It was all a lie, Clara,” Esteban vowed, his voice dropping into a dark, solemn oath. “Every single word they told you was a fabricated lie to keep you hidden while they looted our estate and stole our life.”
From the doorway, Dr. Evelyn watched them with clinical detachment, adjusting her glasses. “You can play the hero all you want, Mr. Vance, but the medical records show Mrs. Vance was legally declared incompetent five years ago following the traumatic brain injury she sustained in the crash. Her detention here was authorized under a probate guardianship order signed by Judge Arthur Sterling.”
Tony stepped into the cell behind the doctor, his Sig Sauer resting casually at his side, though his eyes were fixed on her with lethal intent.
“That guardianship order was based on a forged death certificate and a falsified coroner's report, Doctor,” Tony said smoothly, tapping his tactical radio. “Which federal prosecutors in Chicago just invalidated thirty minutes ago via emergency injunction. Step away from the door.”
Evelyn’s professional composure finally cracked. She glanced nervously at Tony, then at Esteban, who was gently lifting Clara off the narrow cot and wrapping her in his warm cashmere coat.
“She needs an IV,” Evelyn muttered, stepping back. “She hasn’t eaten solid food in three days. Arthur cut off her nutrient supply when he found out the wedding was today—he wanted her cleared out before evening.”
Esteban’s eyes flashed with pure murder. He looked over his shoulder at the doctor.
“Tony, cuff her,” Esteban commanded quietly. “She’s coming with us as our guest of honor.”
“Gladly, Boss,” Tony grinned, snapping heavy steel zip-ties around Evelyn’s wrists before she could protest.
May you like
Clara leaned her head against Esteban’s chest, her breathing shallow but steady. As they carried her out of the underground cell, past the heavy security doors and up into the cool night air, the flashing lights of three federal black-and-whites converged on the parking lot.
Federal agents had arrived. The Sterling empire was about to meet its reckoning.
