Chapter 11 - THE BRIDGE
Vanessa called one hour later.
She had taken Uncle James.
We hadn’t realized he disappeared during the chaos.
Her message was simple.
Bring Evelyn.
Bring Clara.
Midnight.
Old Jefferson Bridge.
No police.
Mom refused.
“I’m not putting you in danger again.”
“She has Uncle James.”
“Exactly.”
Arthur looked at Mom.
“She wants the flash drive.”
We created a copy.
Agent Brooks finally answered.
He had been attacked earlier but survived.
Federal agents surrounded the bridge from a distance.
At midnight, Mom and I walked onto the old bridge.
Vanessa stood beside James.
A gun pressed against his head.
“You brought the files?”
Mom held up the drive.
“Let him go.”
Vanessa laughed.
“You always thought you were smarter than everyone.”
“And you always underestimated children.”
Vanessa looked at me.
“What?”
I pointed behind her.
Arthur had activated the bridge lights remotely.
Floodlights exploded on.
Federal agents moved in.
Vanessa panicked.
She fired.
James ducked.
Mom pushed me down.
Vanessa ran toward a waiting car.
I chased her.
“Clara!” Mom screamed.
Vanessa reached the car.
Then she slipped.
Her purse hit the pavement.
The silver bird necklace slid out.
I grabbed it.
Vanessa turned.
For one second, rage replaced everything else.
She lunged at me.
The bridge railing cracked.
I fell backward.
My hands caught the edge.
Below me, black water rushed past.
Vanessa looked down.
Then she smiled.
May you like
“Just like your mother.”
And she stepped on my fingers.
