Chapter 8 - THE PRICE OF TRUTH
The cabin was dead silent.
Even the hum of the jet engines seemed to fade into the background.
Dominic stood up slowly, walking to the front of the cabin.
Viktor looked up from his tablet, anxiety etched across his scarred face.
“Boss, what do we do? If we land, it’s a trap. If we turn back, an innocent woman dies.”
Dominic looked out the windshield at the infinite black sky.
“Who said anything about landing in Geneva?”
Viktor blinked.
“Excuse me?”
“Richard thinks we’re following standard protocols. He expects us to land at the private airstrip where his security forces are waiting.”
Dominic turned around, his eyes flashing with lethal intent.
“Have the pilot alter our course. We’re landing at a private military strip two hours north of Zurich.”
“That’s out of jurisdiction,” Viktor protested. “We won’t have local backup.”
“Good. That means no leaks.”
Dominic pulled his phone out.
He dialed a secure number.
“Hannah? Are you awake?”
The phone crackled, and Hannah’s trembling voice answered.
“Yes, sir… I couldn't sleep.”
“Listen to me very carefully. Your mother is alive. They’re holding her in Switzerland.”
A sharp gasp echoed through the receiver.
“Mom…?”
“We are going to get her back,” Dominic said firmly. “I need you to tell me something your mother told you about Richard Sterling’s private estate.”
There was a long pause on the line.
Hannah’s breathing hitched.
“She… she said there was a backup vault beneath the wine cellar. That’s where he keeps the physical bearer bonds and offshore USB keys.”
Dominic smiled grimly.
“Thank you, Hannah. Stay in the secure cabin. When we land, Viktor will keep you safe.”
“No,” Hannah said, her voice suddenly steady with a fierce determination. “I’m coming with you.”
Dominic stared down the corridor toward the back cabin.
“It’s too dangerous.”
“She’s my mother,” Hannah whispered fiercely. “I’m not staying behind.”
Dominic closed his eyes for a second.
He recognized that look in her eyes.
May you like
It was the same look Elena had worn on the day she discovered the truth.
“Prep her tactical gear, Viktor,” Dominic ordered quietly.
