Chapter 6 – [THE MAID’S GAMBIT]
“Let her go!” I shouted, taking a step toward my mother.
The guard pulled a gun, resting it against my mother’s side.
I froze, the air leaving my lungs.
“Invite us in, Harper,” Sabrina said smoothly. “It’s cold out here.”
I stepped back, allowing the monsters into the foyer.
My mother was weeping quietly. “I’m sorry, Harper. They came to the house…”
“It’s okay, Mom,” I said, my voice shaking but my mind racing. “I’ve got you.”
Sabrina walked into the grand living room, trailing her fingers over the antique furniture.
“Such a shame. This house will belong to the bank by tomorrow. But there is one thing Nico has that I want before I leave.”
“You already took everything,” I spat.
“Not everything,” Sabrina smiled. “There is a ledger in Nico’s study. It contains the names of every judge and politician in his pocket. My father wants it.”
“I don’t know the combination to his safe,” I lied.
Sabrina sighed.
“That’s unfortunate. Boys? Break the mother’s fingers. Let’s see if that jogs Harper’s memory.”
The guard grabbed my mother’s hand.
“Wait!” I screamed. “Stop! I know it! I saw him open it!”
Sabrina smirked. “Lead the way.”
I walked them toward Nico’s study.
My mind was working a mile a minute.
I didn’t know the safe combination.
But I knew something else.
I knew about the panic button Nico had installed under his desk.
The one that locked down the entire wing and alerted his private security team.
I walked behind the massive mahogany desk.
Sabrina stood impatiently. “Hurry up, maid.”
I knelt down, pretending to look at the safe on the floor.
I reached my hand up, feeling under the thick wood of the desk.
My fingers brushed the cold metal button.
I looked at my mother.
Her eyes were terrified, but she gave me a tiny, imperceptible nod.
I pressed the button.
Instantly, thick steel shutters slammed down over the windows.
The heavy study doors locked with a resounding CLANG.
Red emergency lights flashed.
Sabrina shrieked, dropping her purse.
The guards raised their guns, but it was too late.
They were trapped in the study.
And from the other side of the steel door, I heard Nico’s voice.
“Harper! Stand back!”
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