Chapter 3 - The Boardroom Ghost Story
Friday morning arrived with the crisp, cold air of a Seattle autumn. The top floor of the Mitchell Group tower was buzzing with energy. Security was tight; only board members, executive staff, and select financial journalists were permitted into the grand boardroom.
Marcus Mitchell stood at the glass wall, looking out over the city. He held a glass of scotch, his expression triumphant.
Elena walked in, locking the double doors behind her. She looked stunning, wearing a diamond necklace that Sarah recognized instantly—it had belonged to her own mother.
"Is everything ready?" Marcus asked, not turning around.
"The board is seated," Elena whispered, walking up behind him and wrapping her arms around his waist. "The Swiss representatives are on the video link. The press is broadcasting the opening remarks live to the financial markets. By noon, Marcus, we will be billionaires ten times over. And that annoying, pathetic little housewife will be nothing but a footnote in your biography."
Marcus turned and kissed her deeply. "To our future," he murmured.
In the lobby downstairs, a black SUV pulled up to the private entrance.
Detective Hayes stepped out first, followed by four armed federal agents. She opened the back door.
Sarah emerged. She was wearing the exact same midnight-blue maternity dress she had worn the night she was pushed into the ocean—now cleaned, pressed, and fitting her perfectly. Her hair was styled, her makeup flawless, and her eyes were like twin daggers.
"Are you ready for this?" Hayes asked.
"I've been dead for a week, Detective," Sarah said calmly. "It's time to resurrect."
Upstairs, Marcus took his seat at the head of the massive mahogany boardroom table. The press cameras flashed as he cleared his throat, putting on his best somber face.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the board," Marcus began, his voice trembling with fake emotion. "This has been the hardest week of my life. Losing my wife, Sarah, and our unborn child... it is a grief I cannot describe. But Sarah loved this company. She would have wanted us to move forward. Today, we vote on the merger that will secure our legacy forever."
He reached for the gold pen sitting on the leather folder before him. "Do I have a motion to approve the merger?"
"I motion," Elena said, smiling warmly at him.
"Seconded," another board member added.
"Then, let us sign," Marcus said, lowering the pen to the paper.
SLAM.
The heavy double doors of the boardroom didn't just open—they were thrown back against the walls with a violent crash.
Every head in the room whipped around. The television cameras automatically panned toward the entrance.
Standing in the doorway, framed by the bright light of the lobby, was Sarah Mitchell.
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She was alive, very pregnant, and looking directly at her husband.
"I'm sorry I'm late, Marcus," Sarah said, her voice echoing through the silent, stunned room. "The traffic on the bottom of the ocean was absolutely dreadful."
