This isn’t about revenge. It’s about justice. Pierce collapsed, gasping.
Ethan turned and ran across the bridge, joining Jennifer and Klein on the other side. They disappeared into the night as sirens wailed in the distance. By the time they reached Klein’s truck, Ethan’s arm was bleeding heavily.
Jennifer ripped a sleeve from her shirt and tied it around the wound. You’re insane, she muttered. Ethan managed a weary smile.
Maybe. But we got it, Klein nodded grimly. Now let’s hope we’re still alive to use it.
Hours later, back at the cabin, Loretta was pacing by the window. When the headlights finally appeared through the trees, she burst into tears of relief. Anna ran outside barefoot.
Straight into Ethan’s arms. You came back, she cried. Ethan hugged her tightly.
I told you I would, but even as he held her, he noticed something that made his blood run cold on the porch. Pinned to the door was a small white envelope. He opened it with shaking hands.
Inside was a single photo. Anna, taken from a distance, playing outside the cabin. On the back, scrawled in red ink, were three words.
You’re not done. The cabin had never felt smaller. Outside, the forest stood deathly still, under a shroud of fog.
The silence so complete it pressed against the windows like another layer of glass. Inside, every face was drawn tight with fear. The photo lay on the table between them, its edges damp from Ethan’s shaking hands.
Anna was in the picture, smiling, completely unaware it had been taken. Jennifer stared at it, jaw clenched. They know exactly where we are.
Loretta muttered a prayer under her breath. Lord, have mercy. Klein grabbed the photo, inspecting the back.
This ink, it’s fresh. Someone was here within the last few hours. Ethan rose from his chair.
Then we need to move. Tonight. No, Klein snapped.
That’s exactly what they want. Panic makes mistakes. We don’t move until I clear the perimeter.
He walked to the window, gun in hand, scanning the tree line with the calm precision of a man who’d done this before. Anna sat beside Ethan, holding her stuffed rabbit close. Mr. E, she whispered.
Why do they want to hurt us? Ethan crouched beside her, forcing his voice to stay steady. They don’t want to hurt you, Anna. They just want to scare us.
But you look scared, she said softly. He managed a weak smile. That’s because I’m human.
But being scared doesn’t mean we stop doing what’s right. Jennifer leaned against the wall, rubbing her temples. Ethan, even if we release the data, Greg can spin it.
He’ll call it fabricated, doctored. We need something bigger, something that hits him in real time, where he can’t hide behind lawyers. Klein turned from the window.
He’s holding a fundraising gala next week in DC, for his new Integrity Initiative. Every major investor, senator, and media outlet will be there. Um, Ethan looked up sharply.
You’re saying we expose him in front of the whole world, Jennifer nodded. Exactly. We leak the truth live.
Documents, video, proof, everything. Loretta crossed her arms. You’re talking about walking straight into the lion’s den.
Ethan met her eyes. Then it’s time we stopped running. For the next two days, they planned in silence.
Klein set up a secure network in the cabin, rerouting data through old encryption channels. Jennifer compiled the files into a digital presentation. Ethan worked on timing how to get inside.
How to stay alive long enough to speak. Anna stayed close to him, sensing the tension. One evening, as he sat by the fireplace reviewing Greg’s photos with Pierce.
She came and placed something in his lap, a small folded paper heart. What’s this? He asked. So you don’t forget to be brave, she said simply.
Ethan swallowed hard. You keep doing this. You’re going to make me cry.
She smiled. Then I’m doing it right. That night, Ethan couldn’t sleep.
He stood outside the cabin, listening to the wind whisper through the pines. The stars were faint, drowned by the haze. He thought about how far he’d fallen and how much he still had to lose.
Behind him, Klein stepped onto the porch. You know, the old agent said quietly. The men I’ve seen who survive this kind of war.
They don’t do it because they’re fearless. They do it because something matters more than the fear. Oh, Ethan stared into the darkness.
For me, that’s her. Klein nodded. Then hang on to that.
It’s your armor. The following morning, Jennifer’s contact at the Chronicle confirmed that Greg’s gala would be televised nationwide. It was to be held at the Corvina Hotel, a glass palace of wealth and ego.
Jennifer loaded her laptop. We’ll need to bypass the hotel’s network and upload the files through a live media feed. Once it hits the broadcast servers, Greg can’t stop it.
Ethan nodded. Then that’s where we finish this. But before they could move, Klein’s phone buzzed a secured number flashing.
He frowned. It’s Pierce, Ethan stiffened. He’s calling you? Klein answered cautiously.
This is Klein. Pierce’s voice was low. Urgent.
You need to listen. I’m done with Sanders. He’s crossed a line.
He’s not just after Walker anymore. He’s got men watching the kid. Ethan’s blood turned to ice.
Where? I don’t know. He’s paranoid now. Keeps everything off the books.
But I heard him talking to a man named Dwyer. Mercenary type. If he moves, it’ll be fast.
Jennifer leaned close to the speaker. Why are you helping us, Pierce? Pierce hesitated. Because I got a daughter, too.
I know what it means when someone threatens your kid. Then the line went dead. Loretta’s voice trembled.
Lord help us. They’re coming for that child. Ethan grabbed his jacket.
Then I’m ending this before he gets the chance. Jennifer stepped in front of him. Ethan, you can’t just walk into his building alone.
I’m not waiting for another photo. He said fiercely. He’s not going to touch her again.
Klein held up a hand. We’ll go together. But if we’re doing this, we do it smart.
Tonight, we plant the groundwork. Tomorrow, we end it. That evening, under cover of darkness, they drove toward Manhattan.
The city rose like steel fire ahead of them, indifferent and glittering. Greg’s office tower loomed over the skyline, his empire glowing from the top floors like a crown. They parked several blocks away.
Klein handed Ethan an earpiece. We’ll split up. Jennifer will link into the building’s internal network from a nearby relay.
You and I will get inside. Plant the transmitter near his private suite. Jennifer adjusted her hood.
Once I trigger the upload, the whole truth goes live. His accounts, forged documents, Janelle’s confession, all of it. Uh, Ethan took a deep breath.
Let’s finish this. Inside the lobby, everything gleamed. Marble floors, glass walls, and silent guards in suits.
Ethan kept his head down, following Klein toward the service elevator. The guard barely looked up. A quick badge swipe, and they were in.
The elevator doors closed. The hum of motion filled the silence. Klein turned to him.
If something goes wrong, don’t play hero. You get out. Find the girl.
Ethan nodded. We both get out. Um.
The doors opened onto the top floor, a sleek, dimly lit hallway lined with artwork more than most houses. They moved quickly toward Greg’s office. Then a voice broke the silence.
Going somewhere, gentlemen? Greg Sanders stepped out of the shadows, flanked by two guards. His expression was calm, almost amused. You didn’t think I’d let you waltz in here again, did you? Klein reached for his gun, but one of the guards had already drawn his.
Greg smiled coldly. Put it down, Harold. You’re too old for this…
