CHAPTER 9: THE FIRE THIS TIME
CHAPTER 9: THE FIRE THIS TIME
"You won't press it," Julian said. "Your own reputation dies with this building." Vance laughed. "My reputation doesn't exist on paper, young man." He stepped toward the window. "Richard Harrington is already dead," Vance added casually. "A sudden stroke in his limousine ten minutes ago. Sad." Julian’s world shattered. He stumbled back against the wall. "Father..." "You're the only loose ends left," Vance said, his thumb hovering over the red button. Clara looked at Eleanor. A silent communication passed between them. A lifetime of secrets, summarized in one glance. Eleanor lunged. She didn't hesitate. She threw her entire weight into Vance, slamming him against the heavy glass window. The detonator flew from his hand, skidding across the polished floor. "Julian! The drive!" Clara screamed. Julian shook off his shock and dove for the detonator, smashing it beneath his heavy boot. But Vance was stronger than Eleanor. He wrenched his arm free, a heavy silver pen—disguised as a blade—glinting in his hand. He drove it forward. Eleanor didn't back away. She absorbed the blow, her arms wrapping tightly around Vance to pin him in place. "Clara!" Eleanor choked out, blood spilling from her lips. "The main terminal... behind the painting... upload it now!" Clara didn't look at the blood. She couldn't. She ripped the framed artwork from the wall, exposing the hidden fiber-optic terminal. She slammed her USB drive into the slot. The screen flashed red. UPLOADING TO ALL PUBLIC NETWORKS. Vance roared, throwing Eleanor’s bleeding body to the floor. He lunged toward Clara, his bloody hands reaching for her throat. But the monitor behind her turned bright green. UPLOAD 100% COMPLETE.
