Page 50 of Culmination
“How do I know Rafe is even here? How do I know you haven’t already killed him?”
Theo rolls his eyes in a way that reminds me so much of Adrian whenever he’d get exasperated with me. “This isn’t the movies where I show you proof. It doesn’t matter if Matthews is safe or not. I don’t give a single fuck about your boy toy. All that matters is that I get what I want. Whether the two of you leave here alive is entirely up to you.”
“You… You’re a monster.”
“No, little girl. I’m a businessman.”
He says it so nonchalantly, so matter of factly, like its second nature. A given.
Psychopathic, more like it.
“Now give me what I want, or I’ll take it by force.”
This is it. The moment I’ve been waiting for. The culmination of what my life’s come to, the journey this man put me on, and if I hesitate a moment longer, I don’t think I’ll have the nerve to see this through.
My fingers tremble as I reach into my handbag, unzip the secret compartment, and feel cold steel against my clammy palm. Fear, trepidation, and uncertainty coil low in my belly, and I wonder for a split second if I can actually do this. If I am indeed strong enough to see this through.
Just as I’m about to pull my hand out of my bag, something rigid presses against the small of my back. I jump, turning my head back to look behind me. A tall man dressed in a dark suit is standing directly behind me. I can’t see what he’s holding in his hand, but I know what it is. My heart races when I return my gaze to Theo, who watches me with vile intent.
“Think carefully about your next move, Gabriella,” he chides. “After all, I am the one holding all the cards here, am I not?”
I swallow then nod. With slow ease, I pull my hand out to reveal a key. Theo nods to the guard, and when the tip of the gun leaves my back, I nearly heave with relief. Until the man picks my bag up and finds the subcompact pistol Adrian gave me that day in his apartment. I didn’t want it, but he insisted I needed it to keep me safe. And for a split second, I thought I could use it on his father.
God, was I so wrong.
My head falls, and I’m all too aware of what Theo will do now. Instead, the man surprises me.
“You chose well, my dear,” he says, nodding for the man clad in black to come forward.
Seconds tick by as I wait for the guard to take the key to Theo. His cold eyes meet mine.
“What, pray tell, is this?” Theo hisses. “Where is the book?”
“Which one?” I ask, proud that my voice isn’t shaking as much as my hands are.
His eyes narrow. “The diary. The photos. The birth certificate and the ultrasound. I want it all. And don’t lie, Ms. Latham. I knew Helene gave them to your father. Just like I knew you and my son would eventually find them.”
The panicky laugh that escapes me sounds almost deranged. “If you don’t care about your son, why do you need the diary? Why does any of it matter if Adrian is no longer alive?”
His nostrils flare as he steps towards me. “That is none of your concern.”
“But obviously it means something to you. Let Rafe go and I will tell you what you want to know. Just please, let him go,” I plead.
Theo tsks, and two firm hands pull my arms behind my back. The man behind me pushes me down until I’m forced to my knees.
“Apparently, you’re under the impression that you hold the cards here. Let me correct you.Ialone hold the cards. The only person on this planet that cares for you is half conscious in this home. It’s adorable you thought you could rescue him, but this time, you must make a choice now. Tell me where the book is and I won’t kill you where you kneel.”
I close my eyes with brief hesitation, my chest heaving from ragged breaths. Hot tears spill onto my cheeks, and I know I have no other choice. When I open my eyes and see the triumph in Theo’s, I give in.
“There’s a small box hidden beneath the lilac bush on the edge of the property. Send one of your men to retrieve it. It’s all in there.”
His lips curl up into a devious smile. “Mighty clever, my dear. Not with you, but within close enough proximity that I wouldn’t be tempted to kill you while waiting to see if you’re telling the truth.”
Time spins on an endless loop as Theo starts barking orders. The guard at my back, who’s now gripping my shoulders more firmly than necessary, in such a way that will leave bruises, remains in place until the man in black returns moments later, the box in question in his hand.
“It was right where she said it’d be, sir,” he informs Theo, his voice gruff, brisk. But when his eyes meet mine, there’s sympathy in them.
It’s a quick reflection, one that’s covered with steel, but I didn’t miss it and I have to wonder if this man is on our side. Confidence that this isn’t over blooms inside me. Theo Morningstar has not yet won, no matter what he may think.
