Chapter 25 - The Viper’s Call
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Before Logan could pull his gun, the satellite phone on the central desk began to ring. The shrill sound cut through the tense silence of the room like a blade.
Ethan signaled for us to stay quiet. He walked over, flipped the speaker button, and waited.
"I must admit, Ethan, dying seems to be the one thing you are remarkably bad at," a cold, smooth voice echoed into the room.
My blood ran cold. I recognized that voice instantly. It was my father, Arthur Walker.
"Arthur," Ethan said calmly, his hand resting flat on the table. "I see your security team is as slow as ever."
"Do not insult my intelligence, boy," Arthur replied, his tone icy and devoid of affection. "Did you truly think Thomas Sterling could hide a federal wire room in my own city without my knowledge? You were allowed to reach Bellevue, Ethan. I wanted you to bring Clara to me."
I stepped toward the phone, anger flushing hot through my veins.
"I'm right here, Dad," I said, my voice shaking with fury. "Or should I call you Arthur now?"
There was a short pause on the line before Arthur spoke again, softer this time, but infinitely more sinister.
"Clara... my sweet, naive girl. You always did let your heart rule your head. You think you are standing beside your savior. You think Ethan hid away in Idaho to protect you?" Arthur chuckled softly, a dry, terrible sound. "Ask him about the contract he signed six years ago in Geneva, Clara. Ask him who paid for your trust fund."
I turned to look at Ethan. His face had gone deathly pale.
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"Hang up the phone, Clara," Ethan whispered, but his eyes refused to meet mine.
"He's lying, right?" I asked, stepping back from him. "Ethan, tell me he's lying!"
