Chapter 12 - THE BROTHER WHO NEVER EXISTED
Arthur had been told all his life that he was an only child.
But Michael Sterling had existed.
He had been hidden.
His records erased.
His inheritance stolen.
Sarah had fallen in love with him.
Lily was their daughter.
Victor had murdered Michael.
Or so everyone believed.
Arthur looked at Sarah.
“Is Michael alive?”
Sarah didn't answer.
That silence was enough.
Arthur's heart stopped.
“You know something.”
Sarah whispered:
“He survived.”
The room went silent.
Emily asked:
“Where is he?”
Sarah looked toward the window.
“That's what Victor has been searching for.”
A car suddenly crashed through the mansion gates.
Daniel shouted.
“Down!”
Armed men poured into the property.
Arthur grabbed Lily.
Emily and Sarah ran toward the basement.
The attack was coordinated.
Someone had given the attackers the mansion's exact layout.
Arthur realized immediately.
“There is someone inside our group.”
Daniel looked at him.
“You think it's me?”
Arthur didn't answer.
Daniel lowered his weapon.
“Then search me.”
Arthur did.
Nothing.
Then Sarah looked at Emily.
Emily stared back.
“No.”
Sarah shook her head.
“Not you.”
She looked at Lily.
“Her.”
Everyone froze.
Lily looked terrified.
Sarah knelt.
“Sweetheart, did anyone give you something?”
Lily nodded.
She reached into her pocket.
A small silver pendant.
Sarah's face changed.
“Where did you get that?”
“Victor gave it to me.”
Arthur's heart sank.
“Why?”
Sarah opened the pendant.
Inside was a tiny tracking chip.
Daniel immediately crushed it.
But it was too late.
A helicopter appeared above the mansion.
Arthur looked upward.
“They know where we are.”
Sarah grabbed Lily.
“Run!”
They escaped through the underground tunnel.
Behind them, the mansion exploded.
Arthur watched the flames consume his childhood home.
Everything he had believed about his life was burning with it.
Then Sarah whispered:
“Michael is waiting for us.”
Arthur looked at her.
“Where?”
May you like
Sarah pointed toward the mountains.
“The place where Victor thought he died.”
