Chapter 18 - The Reckoning in the Rust
A cold, mocking laugh echoed from the smelting pit at the rear of the foundry.
"You shoot just like David Vance," Sterling’s voice drifted through the maze of rusted machinery.
I signaled Julianne to stay low behind the heavy concrete divider and moved forward into the gloom.
Sterling stood beside the master control console of the defunct smelting furnace.
In his left hand, he held a remote detonator; in his right, a nickel-plated .45 automatic.
"Your father was a stubborn fool, Maya," Sterling said, his eyes glittering in the dim work lights.
"He thought honor could defeat money and influence."
"When I had his brake lines severed on the interstate, I did it with a heavy heart."
"He was a brilliant detective... just like his daughter."
"You murdered my father," I said, stepping into the open, my weapon trained dead center on his chest.
"I protected my legacy," Sterling corrected smoothly.
"And now you've brought me Conrad's ledger."
"It's in your vest, isn't it?"
"Hand it to me, Maya, or I press this button."
"There are two hundred pounds of industrial dynamite rigged beneath this floor."
"You, Julianne, the child, and twenty years of evidence will be vaporized into ash."
May you like
"The world will believe Conrad Vance set the final trap before he fell."
"Drop your weapon, little girl, or we all burn together."
