Chapter 10 - THE PRISONER’S DEMAND
The detention center was cold and sterile. I met Nora in an interview room. She sat across from me at a metal table, handcuffed, expression hard.
“Julian has kidnapped my daughter,” I said without preamble. “He gave her Somnium-A. She will die by midnight without the antidote. Julian refuses to return it.”
Nora’s eyes widened almost imperceptibly. Then she sneered.
“Then she will die. And so will your precious Sarah. Good riddance to both of them.”
I leaned forward. “You know the formula, Nora. You prepared the doses every day for seven years. You know exactly what went into it. Tell me.”
“Why should I?” Nora leaned back. “Julian promised he would get me out. That I would be protected. If she dies… Julian remains free. And he takes care of me.”
“Julian left her to die,” I said. “And he left you behind. Nora… he used you. From the very beginning. He fed you lies. Told you Sarah was dangerous. Told you he loved you. And then when things went wrong… he ran. And left you holding every bag.”
Nora hesitated. Doubt flickered in her eyes.
“He promised,” she whispered.
“He lied,” I said. “Just like he lied about everything else. Look at what happened to you. Arrested. Facing life in prison. And where is Julian? Safe somewhere, counting your money. You have nothing left to lose by telling me. But my daughter has everything to gain.”
Nora stared at the tabletop. Tears welled in her eyes. Anger. Regret. Realization.
“He said… he said we would be together,” she said brokenly. “That once you were out of the way… we would marry.”
“He never intended to marry you,” I said gently. “He needed someone on the inside. Someone he could control. Someone to blame if things went wrong. Nora… you were never his partner. You were his scapegoat.”
She fell silent. Minutes ticked by.
Then she looked up. Her expression had changed. Resolve replaced the sneer.
“If I give you the formula… I want immunity. Witness protection. And a guarantee I never see Julian again.”
“Done,” I said.
She nodded. She took the pen and paper offered, and began writing rapidly. Ingredients. Proportions. Preparation method.
She slid the paper across the table.
“It is complicated,” she said quietly. “You have about three hours. Do not make a mistake. One grain too much… and you kill her yourself.”
May you like
I stood up. “Thank you, Nora.”
“Save her,” Nora said, looking away. “And when you catch Julian… tell him I said he is a coward.”
