Chapter 33
My heart pounded against my nbs as the taxi swerved through Manhattan traffic.
Rachel s voice and that sickening gunshot, followed by Caspian’s agonized scream, still echoed in my mind. Every second felt like an eternity.
“Can’t you go any faster?” I pleaded, gripping the seat until my knuckles turned white,
“Lady. I’m already pushing it. What’s at the construction site that’s so urgent
“Someone is in danger,” was all I could manage. I couldnt tell him that the man who had once broken my heart was now bleeding nut because of my psychotic stepsister.
When we reached the abandoned Victory construction site, I threw cash at the driver and bolted from the car.
The half–finished stadium loomed against the darkening sky like a skeletal munster, yellow caution tape futtering in the evening breeze, warning signs declaring DANGER” and “NO TRESPASSING posted everywhere.
1 ignored them all, squeezing through a gap in the fence. “Caspian!! I shouted, my voice echoing through the empty structure.
Only salence answered–then a gunshot cracked through the air.
I froze for a split second before running toward it, searching for the partially constructed seating area.
“Caspiant Where are you?”
“Welcome to our little reunion, Sage.” Rachel’s voice e
emerged f
from the shadows. She stepped into view, the gun in her hand gleaming. “You’re right on time.”
She gestured toward the space beneath the half–finished stands.
There, crumpled against a concrete support pillar, was Caspian food soaked through his shirt at the shoulder, his face ashen with pa
“Oh my God, Caspiant” The sight of him sent ice through my veins. “What have you done to him?”
Rachel’s smile was razor–sharp. “Just a little reminder of what real pain feels like.”
“Sage.” Caspian’s voice came put weak, leave… now. It’s a trap…”
“Listen to your quarterback, Rachel said, leveling the gun at me. “Even bleeding out, he’s trying to save you”
took a step toward Caspian, Rachel immediately shifted the gun’s aim to his head. “One more step, and I put the next ballet somewhere more vital.”
“Rachel, please,” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm, he needs medical attention.”
“Dont worry about him. Worry about yourself,” she replied “You destroyed our family and got away with it. You’ve been building your perfect little life while Dad rotted away, drinking himself half to death over the daughter who abandoned him.”
‘Thut
up!” she snapped, the gun trembling slightly in her hand.
In the distance, police sirens wailed, growing louder. Rachel’s head snapped up, her composure trucking
“Damn it! Who called the police?”
“Hake, Caspian said with a pained smile. “Speed dial… when I heard the first shot.”
The moment her attention shatted, Caspian lunged forward despite his injury, grabbing for her legs.
The pan went off again, the bullet rocheting off comer
We crashed in the ground
( off concrete. I seized the opportunity, tackling Rachel from behind.
katteord across the concrete Dos as Kabel fought like a wild animal, nails clawing at my face, teeth snapping at my arm.
Years of hatred gave her strength beyond her size,
“You ruined everything!” she screamed, landing a solid punch to my jaw that sent stars exploding across my vision. “You always ruin everything!”
I grabbed her wrists, using the weight to
her down. “It’s over, Rachell The police are coming!”
“Sage!” boldes voice echoed from the entrance. Sage, where are you?”
“Here!” I shouted back. “Under the stands! Caspian’s hurt
Rachel bucked beneath me, nearly throwing me off. “This isn’t over,” she hissed. “You think Daddy was had? You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Blake’s vice joined Isolde’s. “Caspiant Sage!”
“He’s been shot!” I yelled, “Call an ambulancet
Rachel took advantage of my distraction, shoving me hard enough to break my grip.
She scrambled away, disappearing into the maze of scaffolding before I could catch her.
rushed back to Caspian, who had collapsed again against the pillar. His breathing was shallow, face gray with blood loss.
“She got away,” I said, pressing both hands against his wound to slow the bleeding.
Dorint matter,” he whispered, his eyes locked on mine. “You’re safe.”
The next three days passed in a blur of hospital corridors, police interviews, and terrible coffee
ovcitaine me
I barely left Caapian’s side, sleeping in the uncomfortable chair beside his
is bed when exhaustion finally overca
On the third day, as morning sunlight filtered through the blinds, Caspian finally opened his eyes
his eyes properly.
He blinked slowly, gaze drifting around the room before settling on me.
“Hey,” he said, voice raspy. “You’re still here.”
“You finally woke up,” I said. “You scared me half to death.”
“Rachel? Did they…7”
“She got away.” I said bitterly, “Police are searching the city. Palmer and his family are publicly distancing themselves, claiming they had no knowledge of her
“Of course they are,” he murmured.
Diana Wright stepped in, immaculate as always in a tailored suit despite the early hour see our quarterback has finally rejoined the land of the living”
“Diana,” I asked, surprised: “What are you doing here?”
finging news you might find interesting, she replied, setting her briefcase on the small table. About the case
Tasked, instantly alect despite my exhaustion.
Palmer is desperate to settle, Diana said coolly. He’s offering Caspian a new contract with terms well above market value, plus a significant settlement for The unfortunate misunderstanding at the construction site.”
Hei running scared.” I translated “Afraid of what Rachel might reveal if she’s caught ”
“Pieciarly “Diana nodded. “The question is, what do you want to do about it? Palmers prople have been calling hourly.”
justine..” I said formly. “I want everyone who hurt Caspian to pay ”
Diana studied for a long moment. “Sometimes, Sage, professionals know when to compromise. The partners at Murgan & Wright feel it might be best if i take over Caspian a case entirely. Given your…… personal involvement “
No. Caspian oder was week but firm. “I don’t want Diana. I only trust Sage.”
Diana’s eyebrow airbed slightly. “Mr. firake, while your loyalty
tution, has escalated beyond a simple contract dispute
Are in fiage’s hands,” he finished. “No one else’s.
Diana looked between in, ber expression calc
om the partners of your decision.” She gathered her briefcase. “But consider the settlement offer, Sage. Some battles aren’t worth the
After the left,
gian waited until the door clicked shut before speaking. “thes right about one thing. Palmer is terrified –
Chapter Comunents
the switching between fast names and first names is very confusing tol
and the the other commenter, shooting n this in
shoulder? bye Career
FOST COMMENT
Rachel shot a Qll in the shoulder was it his throwing arm? she could have ended his career so much not really said if Sage went into hiding why did Robert care?
