Chapter 4 - The Diagram
|
The temperature in the room seemed to drop another ten degrees. Matthias’s eyes widened, a look of genuine, unfiltered terror replacing his previous humiliation.
“I… I don't know what you're talking about,” Matthias stammered, his voice cracking. “A letter? I didn't send her a letter.”
Silas let out a dark, humorless chuckle. He reached into the inner breast pocket of his suit jacket and pulled out a folded piece of heavy stock paper. He flicked it open with one hand and held it up for Matthias to see.
It was the photocopy Serena had intercepted. The crude, hand-drawn diagram of the Dre estate, with the red X marked over the master bedroom.
“You didn't send it, no,” Silas said, stepping closer until he was mere inches from Matthias’s face. “But you know who did. You know the people who consider your pregnant wife a ‘collateral loss within acceptable parameters.’ Don't you, Matthias?”
“No! I swear!” Matthias pleaded, holding his hands up defensively.
“You are acquiring the Hensley firm,” Silas continued, his voice echoing off the vaulted ceilings. “A multi-million dollar real estate acquisition. Only, the Hensley firm doesn't exist, does it? It’s a shell company. A washing machine for the Vargas cartel.”
The board chairman, a silver-haired man named Arthur, pushed his way to the front of the crowd. “Matthias! What is this man talking about? The Vargas cartel? We are a legitimate investment firm!”
Silas turned his icy gaze to the chairman. “Your CEO is a fool, Arthur. He borrowed fifteen million dollars from the worst people in Mexico to cover his margin calls last year. Now, the debt is due. And Matthias thought he could launder their money through this acquisition to pay them back. But he lost three million of it playing the stock market.”
The room erupted into chaos. Matthias’s father grabbed his chest, leaning heavily against a pillar.
“You lost their money,” Silas said, turning back to Matthias, his voice dropping to a lethal whisper. “And the Vargas cartel doesn't renegotiate. They sent this letter to Serena’s lawyer to let you know that when they come to collect, they are going to wipe out your entire bloodline.”
Serena touched her stomach, feeling another sharp kick from her daughter. She wasn't just dealing with a cheating husband. She was tied to a dead man.
“I was going to fix it!” Matthias screamed, suddenly falling to his knees. “Fiona told me she could buy me more time! She’s their liaison! She said if I gave her the diamonds, she would talk to Vargas!”
May you like
Serena stared at Fiona, the pieces finally clicking together. Fiona wasn't just a mistress. She was a handler.
Silas looked down at the weeping man on the floor. “Fiona lied to you, Matthias. The cartel isn't giving you more time. They sent the letter this morning. Which means they are coming tonight.”
