Chapter 6 - The Trap is Set
Over the next three days, Ethan set up a perimeter around his Connecticut estate. Extra private security guards were posted discreetly along the grounds, disguised as groundskeepers and maintenance personnel.
Ethan knew that Julian Vance was growing desperate. The Global Transit merger vote was scheduled for the following Monday, and Julian needed a massive scandal to force Ethan out of the CEO chair before the contract was signed.
On Friday evening, the storm outside hit its peak. Heavy rain lashed against the tall windows of the mansion, and thunder echoed across the hills.
Inside, Sofia was fast asleep in the newly decorated nursery upstairs, safe and cozy. Maria was downstairs in the library, reading a book Ethan had recommended to her.
Ethan sat in his study, monitoring a live video feed provided by Marcus. At 10:15 PM, a shadow moved near the estate’s east gate.
"Ethan, we have eyes on him," Marcus’s voice came through Ethan’s earpiece. "Hector Delgado just bypassed the outer fence. He's heading toward the service entrance."
"Is he armed?" Ethan asked quietly.
"Doesn't look like he has a firearm, but he’s carrying a crowbar and what looks like a flash drive or camera equipment. Julian probably paid him to break in, plant incriminating evidence or take photos of you with Maria to paint a story of impropriety and safety neglect."
"Let him reach the back terrace," Ethan ordered. "I want him caught red-handed inside the house so there's zero chance of bail."
Ethan walked down to the dark kitchen, standing quietly in the shadows near the patio doors. Outside, through the rain-streaked glass, he saw a tall figure in a heavy rain slicker approaching.
The lock on the service door jiggled violently as Delgado used a lockpick set. After a few tense seconds, the door clicked open, and the cold night air rushed in along with the sound of pouring rain.
Hector Delgado stepped into the dark kitchen, shaking water off his coat. "Easy money," he muttered to himself under his breath.
Suddenly, the floodlights in the kitchen snapped on, blinding Delgado completely.
"Looking for something, Hector?" Ethan’s cold, echoing voice sounded from across the room.
Delgado spun around, cursing loudly, and pulled a heavy metal crowbar from his jacket lining. "Who the hell are you? Stand back, man, or I’ll split your head open!"
Before Delgado could take a step, the side doors burst open. Marcus and three armed security officers flooded the room, guns drawn and trained squarely on Delgado's chest.
"Drop the weapon! Hands on your head! Down on the floor now!" Marcus roared.
Delgado’s eyes went wide with terror. Realizing he was hopelessly outmatched, he dropped the crowbar with a loud metallic clatter onto the marble floor and slammed his hands behind his head, sinking to his knees.
Ethan walked slowly toward the trembling intruder, looking down at him with utter disdain.
"Julian Vance hired you, didn't he?" Ethan asked calmly, looking at the hidden camera pinned to Delgado's lapel.
"I—I don't know no Julian!" Delgado stammered, shaking with fear. "A guy gave me ten grand in cash to break in, drop a couple of fake luxury items in the maid's room, and take pictures of the kid! That's all!"
Ethan pulled out his phone, hitting play on a speakerphone call. "Julian Vance, are you listening?"
Silence stretched over the phone line for two seconds before Julian’s voice came through, trembling slightly. "Ethan... I don't know what you're playing at—"
"I recorded your operative's full confession, Julian," Ethan interrupted coldly. "I also have the wire transfer records connecting your shell company to Delgado's associate. Attempted burglary, conspiracy, extortion, and child endangerment. You're done."
"Ethan, wait! We can talk about this—"
Ethan ended the call and tossed his phone onto the counter. He looked down at Delgado. "Take him away and hand him over to the State Police."
As the security team dragged Delgado out into the rain, Maria stepped into the doorway, her hands covering her mouth in shock. She had heard the commotion from the library.
May you like
Ethan walked over to her, his harsh expression melting away into genuine softness. "It's over, Maria. He's going back to prison for a very long time. You and Sofia are safe."
Maria looked at him, tears streaming down her face, and without thinking, she threw her arms around Ethan’s neck, hugging him tightly. Ethan froze for a fraction of a second before wrapping his arms around her, holding her close while the storm raged outside.
