Chapter 6 – The Man Who Lost Everything
Damian Mercer had not slept.
He sat in the dim hotel room surrounded by newspapers carrying his photograph.
DISGRACED CEO UNDER INVESTIGATION.
MERCER FORTUNE FROZEN.
BOARD COOPERATING WITH AUTHORITIES.
A knock sounded at the door.
He opened it to find Samuel Reeves standing in the hallway.
“If you're here to enjoy the show—”
“I'm here because Elena sent me.”
Damian laughed bitterly. “To finish humiliating me?”
“To offer you a choice.”
Samuel entered and placed a folder on the table.
“Cooperate fully with federal investigators. Tell the truth about Victor Hale. In exchange, Elena will support a reduced sentence recommendation.”
Damian's face drained of color.
“You know about Hale.”
“We know enough.”
For a long moment, Damian said nothing.
Then he whispered, “I never thought he would come after me.”
“He already has,” Samuel replied.
Damian looked around the cheap room, at the peeling wallpaper and the single suitcase that now contained his entire life.
“If I testify,” he said, “he'll kill me.”
“If you don't,” Samuel answered, “he'll still kill you. The only difference is whether your death means something.”
Damian closed his eyes.
For the first time, he understood the true value of power.
It was not the ability to make people fear you.
It was the ability to survive when fear arrived at your own door.
Slowly, he opened the folder.
“Tell Elena,” he said, “I'll testify.”
May you like
Outside the hotel, a black sedan pulled away from the curb.
Someone had been listening.
