Chapter 5: No Way Out
The storm intensified. Thunder shook the foundations of the house.
"Check her room again," Martha ordered Sarah.
"I’ve checked it three times, Mother. It’s not there."
Julian grabbed a heavy lamp and hurled it across the room. It shattered against the wall, inches from Elena’s head.
"WHERE IS IT?"
Elena didn't flinch this time. The fear had turned into something else. Something cold.
"You’re scared," Elena said. A small, bloody smile touched her lips.
"What did you say?" Julian growled.
"The great Sterlings. Scared of a girl from the valley. You’re pathetic."
Julian raised his hand again, but Martha caught his wrist.
"No. She’s trying to provoke you. She wants a quick end."
Martha knelt in front of Elena. She took Elena’s hand in hers. Her grip was like a vice.
"We have a doctor coming, Elena. A private doctor. He can perform a C-section right here. We get the heir. We get the ledger. And you... you get a quiet burial in the woods."
