Chapter 7 - Behind Enemy Lines
The freight elevator of Sterling Tower ascended with a low, mechanical hum. Elena had used her old executive override maintenance code—one that Kevin hadn't yet purged from the sub-level systems—to bypass the lobby security altogether. She was dressed in a mechanic’s jumpsuit pulled from the building's basement utility locker, her dark hair tucked tightly under a grease-stained cap.
When the elevator reached the 42nd floor, Elena stepped out into the quiet service corridor behind the kitchen. The penthouse was dead silent. Soft, ambient lighting traced the contours of the ultra-modern architecture, illuminating the glass shelves of modern art and Kevin’s prized vintage whiskey collection.
Through the frosted glass doors of the master suite, she heard the soft drone of a television playing. Victoria was sprawled across the plush king-sized bed, scrolling carelessly through social media on a diamond-encrusted phone, wearing one of Elena’s cashmere robes. A room service cart sat nearby, along with a pair of silver keys and an encrypted USB authenticator resting on the nightstand.
Elena slid open the pocket door without a sound.
Victoria didn't notice her until Elena’s shadow fell across the foot of the bed. The younger woman looked up, her smug expression melting instantly into a mask of pure terror. She opened her mouth to scream.
Before a sound could escape, Elena reached down, snatched a silk scarf from the vanity, and clamped it firmly over Victoria’s mouth, pinning her against the headboard with her forearm.
"Make one sound, Victoria, and I will ensure the police find the cocaine Kevin stashed in your locker at the country club," Elena whispered, her voice deathly cold, her bruised face inches from Victoria’s widened eyes.
Victoria nodded frantically, tears of sudden panic welling in her eyes. Elena eased the scarf slightly, keeping her forearm pressed firmly against the woman’s collarbone.
"The Vanguard files," Elena demanded. "Where did he put the physical ledgers?"
"I... I don't know what you're talking about!" Victoria choked out. "Kevin just told me to stay here until the morning!"
"Don't lie to me," Elena hissed, tightening her grip. "You've been his executive assistant for three years. You signed the transfer documents as the secondary witness."
Victoria trembled, pointing a shaking finger toward the walk-in closet. "Behind the shoe display. The floor safe. The code is his first yacht's registration number... but you can't open it without the physical key around my neck!"
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Elena reached down, unclasped the thin titanium chain from Victoria's neck, and shoved her back onto the pillows. "Stay here and don't touch that phone. If Kevin calls, tell him everything is peaceful."
As Elena turned toward the closet, the distinct chime of the penthouse elevator sounded again. Kevin was back.
