Chapter 17 - Dual Pianos, One Death
Anaëlle, Julian, and Evelyn were brought to a massive soundproof room beneath the chateau. In the center of the room sat two identical black grand pianos, placed facing each other.
On a large digital monitor mounted to the wall, a live feed showed Clara sleeping in her safe house room—with a red target dot hovering over her chest.
"Here is the game," Sterling said, leaning against a marble pillar while four armed guards stood by the door. "The ledger inside the twin pianos contains the master security codes to global banking reserves. But it requires a two-part acoustic key played simultaneously on both instruments."
Sterling looked at Evelyn and Anaëlle. "You will play the duet. Flawlessly. If either of you hits a single wrong note... the signal is sent to my sniper in London, and little Clara dies."
Evelyn threw herself in front of Anaëlle. "Please, Victor! She’s innocent! I’ll play my part, just leave my daughters alone!"
"You both play, or you both watch her die," Sterling barked coldly. "Sit!"
Anaëlle looked at her mother. Ten years of grief, confusion, and pain vanished, replaced by an unspoken bond between two musicians.
"Mama," Anaëlle whispered as they sat at their respective piano benches. "Do you remember the ending we used to practice?"
Evelyn looked at her daughter, a tear slipping down her cheek. "The one your father loved?"
May you like
"Yes," Anaëlle said softly, turning her head to glance at Julian, who stood guarded near the wall. Julian caught her eye and gave a subtle, almost imperceptible nod. He knew what she was planning.
"Begin!" Sterling ordered, looking at his gold pocket watch.
