Chapter 5 - The Walls Close In
Garrett scrambled to his feet, panic driving him. "I have to get to the airport. I have to get the money."
"There is no money, Garrett," Clara said calmly, sitting down at the table and taking a sip of her wine. "Marcus Vance froze the Cayman account three hours ago. The FBI is currently waiting at the airport for Vanessa."
"What?" Garrett screamed, his mind fracturing under the weight of the realization. "Marcus? You... you worked with Marcus?"
"He was very cooperative," Clara said. "It turns out, husbands and wives who have been betrayed make excellent partners in business."
Just then, the front door of their luxury suburban home was kicked open.
"Federal Agents! Stay where you are!"
Garrett spun around as three armed agents entered the dining room, badges displayed, weapons drawn. Behind them stood Marcus Vance, his face impassive.
"Garrett Miller," the lead agent said, stepping forward with a set of handcuffs. "You are under arrest for wire fraud, embezzlement, and conspiracy to commit financial theft."
Garrett looked at Clara, his eyes begging for help, for some sign of the gentle, forgiving wife he had known for seven years. But Clara only watched him with a look of supreme indifference.
As the handcuffs clicked around his wrists, Garrett began to scream. "Clara! You did this! You ruined my life! You’re a monster!"
"No, Garrett," Clara said, standing up and walking over to him. She leaned in close, whispering so only he could hear. "I didn't ruin your life. I just stopped protecting you from yourself. Enjoy the cold lights, Garrett. They are much worse than the ones in the ICU."
As the agents dragged him out of the house, Marcus walked into the dining room. He looked at Clara, a deep sense of relief on his face.
"Vanessa was arrested at the gate," Marcus said. "She tried to bribe the officers with her luxury watch. It didn't work."
"Thank you, Marcus," Clara said.
May you like
"It’s not over yet," Marcus warned. "The trial will be highly publicized. They will try to drag your name through the mud to reduce their sentences. They will claim you were complicit."
Clara turned to look at the photo of Ethan on the mantelpiece. "Let them try. I have the truth. And I have nothing else to lose."
