Chapter 4 - The Trap
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Sarah's plan was simple.
I'd agree to meet Victor. Give him the ledger. But it would be a fake. A decoy. The real one would be safe with Sarah.
When Victor took the fake, we'd have him on tape. Admitting to the murders. Admitting to everything.
Then we'd arrest him.
Simple. Right.
"What about Leo?" I asked.
"He stays with me. I have a safe house. No one will find him."
"I can't leave him."
"You have to. If Victor sees him, he'll use him again."
She was right. I hated it. But she was right.
I went home. Packed a bag for Leo. Told him we were going on a trip.
"Where?"
"To see a friend of mine. You'll be safe there."
"Will you be there?"
"Soon. I promise."
He looked at me. Those eyes. So trusting. So scared.
"You're lying."
"No, baby. I'm not."
"You're leaving me."
"Just for a little while."
"Because of Uncle Victor."
I didn't answer.
He hugged me. Tight. Desperate.
"Don't go."
"I have to."
"Why?"
"Because I'm your mom. And I have to protect you."
He cried. I cried. We held each other for a long time.
Then Sarah arrived. Took Leo's hand. Led him to her car.
"Be careful," she said.
"You too."
They drove away. I watched until I couldn't see the taillights anymore.
Then I went inside. Called Victor.
"I have the ledger."
"Good. Bring it to me."
"Tomorrow. Noon. The old warehouse on Pier 42."
"Why there?"
"Because that's where Dad used to take us. Remember? When we were kids. Before everything went wrong."
Silence. Then: "You're getting sentimental, Maya."
"Maybe. But that's where I'll be."
"Fine. Noon. Don't be late."
He hung up.
I sat there. In the dark. Alone.
Tomorrow, it would end.
One way or another.
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