Chapter 6 - THE BRIDE IN THE SERVICE ELEVATOR
The service elevator descended toward the underground parking garage.
Helena stood behind Celia with one arm around her throat.
A small pistol pressed against the white lace of the wedding gown.
Celia’s bouquet lay on the elevator floor.
“You said there were no weapons,” Celia whispered.
Helena’s breathing remained steady.
“I said what kept you calm.”
“Where are we going?”
“Somewhere this family can still be protected.”
“You mean you.”
Helena tightened her grip.
“Do not become dramatic.”
Celia almost laughed.
“You used my wedding to commit treason.”
“You do not understand what treason means.”
“I understand the gun.”
The elevator doors opened.
A black sedan waited in the garage.
James Vale’s driver sat behind the wheel.
The evidence container rested in the trunk.
Helena pushed Celia forward.
Then Mara’s voice echoed across the concrete.
“Let her go.”
Helena turned.
Mara stood near the garage entrance with Daniel several steps behind her.
Neither had a visible weapon.
Helena aimed the pistol at Celia’s side.
“Stay back.”
Mara stopped.
“Where do you plan to go?”
“Move away from the vehicle.”
“You cannot leave Charleston.”
“I have left more secure places.”
Celia looked at Mara.
Fear had stripped away every layer of ceremony.
“Do not give her anything.”
Helena pressed the weapon harder.
Mara kept her eyes on her mother.
“What is in the container?”
“The second drive.”
“You need the ribbon key.”
“I have enough.”
“No. You do not.”
Helena’s face changed.
Mara removed the damaged ribbon from her pocket.
“You planted it on me, but you did not know counterintelligence would isolate the chip.”
“Give it to me.”
“Release Celia.”
“You always did think rank made you intelligent.”
“No. Surviving you did.”
Helena flinched.
The sedan driver reached beneath the dashboard.
Daniel saw it.
“Hands visible.”
The driver fired.
Daniel pulled Mara behind a concrete pillar.
The bullet struck the wall.
Helena pushed Celia toward the car.
Celia twisted.
The pistol discharged.
The sound filled the garage.
Celia fell.
Mara moved without thought.
She crossed the distance, struck Helena’s wrist, and drove her against the sedan.
The pistol slid beneath the car.
Daniel tackled the driver.
Security officers entered from both ramps.
Helena fought with surprising strength.
Mara restrained her arm.
“Stop.”
“You destroyed everything,” Helena hissed.
“No.”
Mara forced the handcuff around her wrist.
“You chose this.”
Celia lay on the ground.
Blood spread across the side of her gown.
Mara dropped beside her.
The bullet had entered near the hip.
Daniel called for medical support.
Celia’s eyes opened.
“Did she get away?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Her face tightened with pain.
Mara held pressure against the wound.
Celia gripped her sleeve.
“I’m sorry.”
“For what?”
“For believing her.”
Mara shook her head.
“This is not the time.”
“I need you to hear it.”
“You can tell me again at the hospital.”
Celia tried to smile.
Daniel secured the driver.
Federal agents recovered the second drive.
Helena sat against the sedan with her hands restrained.
She watched her daughters.
For one second, Mara expected remorse.
Helena looked only at the evidence container.
Celia saw it too.
“She cares more about the drive.”
Mara answered quietly.
“Yes.”
Paramedics arrived.
They carried Celia away beneath the garage lights.
Daniel remained beside Mara.
Helena looked up.
“You think this saves the ship?”
Mara turned.
Helena smiled faintly.
“Crane already has the final code.”
“What final code?”
“The one Daniel gave him.”
Mara looked at Daniel.
His face went still.
May you like
Helena laughed.
“You never asked why he knew your promotion before your family did.”
