Chapter 4 - The Ruined Kingdom
The two guards lunged forward, their heavy leather boots squeaking on the linoleum.
I didn't hesitate. I had spent three years in the yard of Oakwood Prison, learning how to survive against men who had nothing left to lose. I dodged the first guard's clumsy grab, stepping inside his reach and driving a hard, solid elbow straight into his jaw. The impact sent him crashing backward into the medical equipment cart, sending metal trays and syringes clattering across the floor.
The second guard swung his heavy baton, the wood whistling through the air. I ducked beneath the blow, grabbing his wrist and twisting it violently until the baton dropped to the floor. I drove my knee into his midsection, sending him gasping for air as he collapsed onto the tiles.
Carter’s smug smile vanished, his face turning a pale, panicked white as he reached into his jacket pocket, searching for his phone.
"You're sloppy, Carter," I growled, stepping over the groaning guard and grabbing him by the lapels of his expensive suit. "You always have been. You thought because I was in prison, I was stupid. But I was practicing law in my father's offices before you even learned how to clear your credit card debt."
I shoved him hard against the wall, my hand clutching his throat. "Where are the transfer deeds?"
"I don't have them!" Carter choked out, his eyes wide with terror as he looked at the raw fury in my eyes. "Reagan... Reagan has them! She’s finalizing the sale of the construction firm’s downtown assets to Viktor Vance's group tomorrow morning! If you don't let me go, the deal goes through, and the company is gone!"
"Where is the signing?" I demanded, tightening my grip.
"The county courthouse," Carter gasped. "The probate courtroom. 10:00 a.m. She’s presenting the fake death certificate and the forged power of attorney to the judge to authorize the liquidation."
"Thank you," I whispered.
I let go of his throat, letting him slide down the wall in a heap. I turned to my father, who was watching me with a look of profound pride and fear.
"Dad," I said, kneeling beside his chair. "I need you to stay strong for just a few more hours. I have to go to that courthouse. I have to stop her."
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"Go, Finnley," Camden said, his voice stronger now, his hand gripping mine. "Bring down the tower."
I turned, leaving Carter groaning on the floor beside his unconscious guards, and ran out of the room, my mind focused entirely on the 10:00 a.m. hearing that would determine the fate of my family.
