Chapter 8 - THE CABIN AT BELLROSE
Victor refused to follow Serena’s instructions alone.
He took Lily, four trusted guards, and enough weapons to start a war.
Snow had begun falling by the time they reached Lake Bellrose.
The remains of Grace’s childhood cabin stood among dead trees near the frozen shore.
Lily stepped from the vehicle.
Memories returned with every breath.
Grace teaching her how to skate.
Grace hiding letters inside the walls.
Grace promising that one day they would live like real sisters.
Victor approached the burned foundation.
“Where did she hide things?”
“Near water.”
Lily walked toward the lake.
A pair of black swan statues stood beside the ruined dock.
One had cracked down the center.
She inserted the brass key into a hidden opening beneath its wing.
A compartment clicked open.
Inside lay a small metal box.
Victor’s guards spread around them.
Lily placed the box on the dock.
A keypad glowed.
A recorded voice spoke.
“State the name of the person I trusted most.”
Victor whispered.
“Ethan.”
The light flashed red.
Lily closed her eyes.
Grace had loved her son more than anything.
But the question was written in the past tense.
Lily remembered a childhood promise.
“Lilian.”
The lock opened.
Inside were photographs, bank records, and a flash drive.
There was also a phone with a single saved video.
Grace appeared on the screen.
She looked exhausted.
“If you are watching this, I did not survive.”
Victor’s face hardened.
Grace continued.
“Serena Montigue is not working alone.”
“She has been meeting with Adrian Blackwood.”
Victor went still.
Adrian was his cousin.
His underboss.
The man who controlled half of Victor’s organization.
Grace held a document toward the camera.
“They plan to remove Victor and take control through Ethan.”
Victor’s guard suddenly turned.
Movement flashed among the trees.
Gunfire ripped across the lake.
Victor pushed Lily behind the stone statues.
Two guards fell.
The remaining men returned fire.
A black vehicle crashed through the tree line.
The rear door opened.
Serena sat inside.
Beside her was Adrian Blackwood.
He held a live video feed on a tablet.
The screen showed Ethan sleeping inside the estate.
Adrian smiled.
“Give me Grace’s evidence.”
Victor raised his weapon.
Adrian tapped the screen.
May you like
A masked man appeared beside Ethan’s crib.
“Or your son dies before you reach the highway.”
