Chapter 7 - THE MERCER HOUSE
The Mercer estate had stood on the hill for over a century.
That night, it looked abandoned.
We entered through the western gate.
The security system had been disabled.
Too easy.
Marcus noticed it too.
“Trap.”
“I know.”
We continued.
Inside the mansion, photographs covered the walls.
Nine Mercer men.
Generations of power.
Violence disguised as family tradition.
We found the vault beneath the basement.
Thomas was waiting.
His eight sons stood behind him.
All of them were injured.
All of them terrified.
Thomas raised both hands.
“I want protection.”
“You attacked my wife.”
“I know.”
“You killed my child.”
His face crumbled.
“I didn't order that.”
“You still allowed it.”
“I was wrong.”
“You don't get forgiveness because you're afraid.”
He looked at Marcus.
“You don't understand what is coming.”
“I understand.”
“No.”
Thomas shook his head.
“You don't.”
He pulled a key from his pocket.
“I'll open the vault.”
“Why?”
“Because your father will kill every one of us if you get inside without me.”
I took the key.
“Open it.”
The vault door groaned.
Inside were shelves of hard drives.
Documents.
Cash.
Photographs.
And hundreds of recordings.
I found one labeled with my name.
I played it.
My father's voice filled the room.
“If Andrew is hearing this, then I failed.”
I stared at the screen.
He continued.
“He thinks he controls Meridian.”
“He doesn't.”
“I built Meridian to ensure our family survives every government, every investigation, every war.”
Thomas looked terrified.
The recording continued.
“But Andrew has become stronger than me.”
“Therefore, he must be removed.”
My stomach dropped.
Then came the sentence that changed everything.
“Thomas Mercer will arrange his death.”
I turned slowly.
Thomas started crying.
“I was ordered to.”
I raised my weapon.
He fell to his knees.
Then the lights went out.
May you like
Gunfire erupted.
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