Chapter 6 - The Ghost Appears
Marcus Mitchell sat in his holding cell, furious but confident. His high-priced defense attorney, corporate fixer Vance Sterling, stood outside the bars.
"The embezzlement charges won't stick, Marcus," Sterling whispered. "We can argue the transfers to Chloe were authorized consulting fees. The police have no proof of foul play regarding Sarah. The Coast Guard hasn't found a body. By tomorrow, I’ll have you out on bail."
"Good," Marcus hissed. "Make sure Chloe keeps her mouth shut."
"I'm afraid it's too late for that, Mr. Mitchell," a voice called out.
Marcus turned to see Detective Hayes walking down the corridor, accompanied by a district attorney. But it wasn't the police that caught Marcus’s attention.
Walking slowly behind them, wrapped in a heavy wool coat but standing tall and proud, was Sarah.
Marcus staggered backward, his breath catching in his throat. His eyes bulged as if he were looking at a literal phantom.
"S-Sarah?" Marcus stammered, his voice cracking. "You... you're alive?"
Sarah walked right up to the iron bars. Her gaze was like ice, devoid of any of the warmth and devotion she had given him for seven years.
"I’m alive, Marcus," Sarah said, her voice steady and echoing through the concrete cellblock. "And so is your daughter. You thought the ocean would wash away your sins, but I kept the receipt."
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Marcus scrambled toward the bars, his face shifting instantly into a desperate plea. "Sarah! Oh my god, thank heaven! It was a mistake, the boat lurched, I tried to grab you—"
"Save it for the jury, Marcus," Sarah interrupted, turning her back on him. "Chloe already signed a full confession detailing the entire plan. I’ll see you in court."
