Chapter 7 - The Test
The fire destroyed part of Whitmore House.
Fortunately, nobody died.
But the investigation uncovered something disturbing.
The fire had started in three places.
It wasn't an accident.
Richard had ordered it.
Police located his safe house.
But he was gone.
The next morning, Adrian gathered the employees.
He stood in the courtyard.
No suit.
No tie.
No intimidating speech.
Just a man who had finally realized how badly his leadership had failed.
“I've spent years believing fear creates loyalty.”
Nobody moved.
“I was wrong.”
The employees looked at him.
Adrian continued.
“Some of you were afraid to speak.”
He looked toward Grace.
“Some of you saw things I didn't.”
Grace looked down.
“I want to change that.”
He announced new protections for employees.
Anonymous reporting.
Independent audits.
Emergency assistance.
Medical support.
Fair promotion policies.
And a new rule.
“No employee will ever be punished for telling me the truth.”
The announcement shocked everyone.
But it wasn't enough.
Richard remained free.
Three days later, Adrian received a letter.
No return address.
Inside was a photograph.
Grace standing outside the hospital.
Her sister beside her.
On the back were six words.
You can't protect everyone.
Adrian's blood ran cold.
He called security.
Then he called Grace.
She didn't answer.
He drove to the hospital.
Grace was there.
Safe.
Her sister was recovering.
But Grace looked frightened.
“Someone was watching us.”
“Did you see him?”
“No.”
Adrian sat beside her.
“You don't have to be afraid.”
She looked at him.
“That's easy for you to say.”
He paused.
She continued.
“You have money.”
Adrian nodded.
“You have guards.”
“Yes.”
“You have lawyers.”
“Yes.”
“I have none of those things.”
Adrian looked at her.
Then he said something he had never said to anyone.
“I'm sorry.”
Grace stared at him.
“For what?”
“For thinking money could solve everything.”
She smiled sadly.
“Can it?”
“No.”
“Then what can?”
Adrian looked at her.
“People.”
She smiled.
For the first time, the distance between them disappeared.
But before either could say anything else, Grace's sister called from the hospital room.
“Grace?”
Grace stood.
“What?”
Her sister pointed toward the window.
A black car was parked across the street.
Adrian recognized it.
Richard.
The car suddenly moved.
Adrian ran outside.
Too late.
It disappeared into traffic.
But on the windshield, he saw something.
A white envelope.
He opened it.
May you like
Inside was a final message.
Tomorrow, I take everything.
