Chapter 5 - The Ambush
The news hit Daniel like a cold wave of adrenaline. He stood up, his eyes narrowing into slits. "They’re trying to force my hand before the board meeting tomorrow morning. If I’m arrested, or even detained for questioning, the board will automatically trigger the emergency succession plan, and Pendelton’s investment group will buy out our controlling shares for pennies on the dollar."
"Exactly," Marcus groaned. "They don't care about the truth, Daniel. They just need the scandal to last for the next twenty-four hours. Once they control the company, they can bury the investigation and fire Dr. Vance with a massive severance package to keep him quiet."
"Not going to happen," Daniel growled. "Where is Dr. Vance right now?"
"He’s at his private residence downtown, packing his bags. My contacts say he booked a one-way flight to a non-extradition country in South America leaving tomorrow at noon."
"Keep a tail on him, Marcus. Don't let him reach that airport," Daniel commanded. "I’m heading back to the city tonight."
"Daniel, no! If the police spot you, you’ll be detained!"
"I’m not going to the police, Marcus. I’m going to the source."
Daniel hung up and turned to Maria, who had stood up, her face pale with terror having overheard the conversation. "They’re trying to take her away from us, aren't they?" she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.
"No one is taking her," Daniel said, stepping forward and placing his hands firmly on Maria’s shoulders. "Listen to me, Maria. I need you to stay here with Sophia. Do not leave this house under any circumstances. My personal security lead, a man named Henderson, is stationed at the gate down the road. He will die before he lets anyone through. I am going to end this tonight."
Maria looked into his eyes, seeing the absolute, unyielding determination of a father fighting for his family. She nodded slowly, reaching up to touch his hand. "Please come back to us, Daniel. Sophia needs her daddy. And I... we need you."
May you like
Daniel squeezed her hand, a profound promise passing between them, before turning on his heel and sprinting out to the SUV.
As he drove back toward the glowing city skyline, the rain began to fall in heavy, torrential sheets. Daniel dialed his private security detail, his voice dropping into a cold, military-like precision. "Henderson, activate Phase Two tracking on Arthur Pendelton’s personal vehicle. Find out exactly where he is meeting his brother-in-law tonight. I’m going to crash their party."
