Chapter 5 - The Trap is Set
The rain fell in sheets over Long Island, drumming a chaotic rhythm against the glass dome of the Vance mansion.
Inside his study, Arthur Vance sat across from Richard Drake.
"Something isn't adding up, Drake," Arthur said, tossing a set of financial invoices onto his desk. "Dr. Carter’s medical firm has billed my estate four hundred thousand dollars in two weeks for 'specialized neuro-inhibitory drugs.' Why is Lily receiving nerve inhibitors?"
Drake looked uncomfortable. "I asked Dr. Carter about that yesterday, sir. She claims the inhibitors prevent muscle spasms and spinal shock during therapy."
Before Arthur could reply, Jonah walked into the study. He was soaking wet, having just come in from the balcony.
"Mr. Vance," Jonah said directly, skipping all formalities. "Dr. Carter is lying to you."
Arthur paused, setting his pen down. "Jonah? What are you talking about?"
"She works with Victor O'Connell," Jonah stated calmly, looking straight into Arthur’s eyes. "I heard her on the stairs last night. She is giving Lily medicine that keeps her legs asleep so you keep paying her. And she’s telling O'Connell how to breach your security."
Drake stood up instantly, his face darkening with anger. "Kid, that is a massive accusation! Dr. Carter is a respected board member at Johns Hopkins! Do you have any proof, or are you just spreading street rumors?"
"Check her bag," Jonah said simply. "Bottom compartment. A dark blue bottle with no label. She gives Lily two drops in her water every afternoon before therapy. That’s why Lily is always so tired when the doctor is here."
Arthur’s face drained of color. He looked at Drake. "Fetch Dr. Carter’s bag. Now."
"Mr. Vance, this is ridiculous—" Drake began.
"NOW, DRAKE!" Arthur roared, slamming his palms on the oak desk.
Drake turned on his heel and rushed out of the study.
Five minutes later, Drake returned. His face was pale, and his hands were shaking slightly. In his right hand, he held a professional medical bag. He unzipped the bottom compartment and pulled out a small, unlabeled dark blue glass bottle.
Arthur grabbed the bottle, his chest heaving with terrifying rage. "Call our private lab. I want a full chemical analysis in twenty minutes."
"Mr. Vance!" a guard suddenly shouted, bursting through the study doors, his uniform wet from rain. "The perimeter gate on the south lawn has been breached! The security cameras just went dark!"
BOOM!
A loud explosion rocked the lower floor of the mansion, shattering the stained-glass windows in the grand foyer. Alarms blared throughout the estate, their red emergency lights stroking the dark hallways.
"They're inside!" Drake yelled, pulling his gun. "Mr. Vance, get to the panic room!"
"Lily!" Arthur screamed, running toward the door.
"No, Mr. Vance!" Jonah yelled, grabbing Arthur’s arm. "They cut the main power! The panic room locks are electronic—they will trap you inside! They want Lily!"
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Through the smoke filling the grand staircase below, armed men in raincoats poured into the mansion. At the front of the group walked Victor O'Connell, holding a silenced pistol, a wicked grin stretched across his scarred face.
"Vance!" Victor’s voice boomed through the blaring alarms. "Hand over the boy and the girl, and maybe I won't burn your palace to the ground!"
