Chapter 15 - The Final Key
Claire answered, her voice smooth and composed. ""Hello?""
""Mrs. Sterling?"" A voice rasped on the other end. It was older, masculine, with a pronounced New England accent. ""Or should I say, Ms. Claire Vance-Holloway?""
Claire frowned, sitting up straight in the leather seat. ""Who is this?""
""My name is Arthur Vance. Sophia Vance’s father."" The man paused, the sound of a grandfather clock ticking steadily in the background. ""My daughter made a terrible mistake crossing you, Claire. She thought Mark Sterling was a predator. She didn't realize he was just an idiot holding the keys to something much larger.""
Claire felt a cold current run through her veins. ""If you’re calling to negotiate for your daughter’s bail, speak to Elena Ruiz.""
""I don't care about the bail. Sophia played a stupid game and got caught,"" Arthur Vance said calmly. ""I’m calling about your father.""
Claire’s hand tightened around the phone. ""My father died four years ago.""
""Your father didn't die of natural causes, Claire. And the money you inherited wasn't tech equity."" Arthur chuckled softly, a dry, terrifying rattle. ""Your father ran the offshore clearing network that Mark was desperately trying to crack open. Mark thought he was stealing your inheritance. He didn't know he was unlocking a vault that belongs to people who make the Department of Justice look like a local school board.""
The town car suddenly slowed down, coming to a halt at a red light near the entrance of the private jet terminal at Nice Airport.
Claire looked in the rearview mirror. The driver’s eyes were fixed on her through the glass, unblinking, cold.
""Look inside your black carry-on suitcase, Claire,"" Arthur’s voice whispered through the receiver. ""In the lining of the front pocket. The old brass key your father gave you before he passed. They know you have it now. And they know you're alone.""
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The electronic door locks of the town car engaged with a sharp, heavy clack. The driver turned around, holding a silenced pistol level with her chest.
""Welcome to the real family business, Claire,"" Arthur Vance whispered, and hung up."
