Chapter 5 - The Trap at the Old ManorInstead of fleeing further away, Leo and Maya turned back toward the city.
By nightfall of the fifth day, they arrived at the rear iron gate of the Sterling Manor. Rain was pouring once again, masking their movements. Leo was wearing an oversized trench coat taken from the cabin, walking with a heavy limp, leaning on a wooden staff Maya had carved for him.
“The conservatory is on the west wing,” Leo whispered, looking up at the looming dark shadow of his former prison. “Arthur keeps the security cameras focused on the main driveway. If we go through the green-house drainage pipe, we can get under the main hall.”
“Are you sure you can make it up the stairs?” Maya asked, eyeing his unsteady legs.
Leo looked down at his bare feet, covered in dirt and mud, just like hers. “I’m not turning back.”
They slipped through the rusted metal drainage grate, crawling through filth until they reached the hidden spiral staircase leading to Eleanor’s old conservatory. The air here was damp and smelled of dried lavender and old paper.
Maya pulled out the rusted silver key and approached the grandfather clock standing in the corner of the grand room. She slid the key into a hidden keyhole behind the clock face and turned it.
CLICK.
A compartment popped open in the wooden base. Inside sat a black encryption drive and a sealed envelope stamped with red wax.
Maya grabbed the drive, her eyes shining with triumph. “We got it. The whole truth is right here.”
Suddenly, the bright overhead spotlights snapped on, blinding them both.
May you like
Clapping slowly, Arthur Sterling stepped out from behind the velvet curtains, flanked by six armed guards. His face was twisted into a triumphant, sinister grin.
“I must admit, nephew... I didn’t think you had it in you,” Arthur chuckled, his voice ringing through the vast room. “And you, little wild girl... you led him right into my hands.”
