The Frame

Declan stepped in front of Ivy. "Let her go, Kael. It's over. I know there's no drive."

"Smart diver," Kael said, walking down the stairs. "But you're missing the bigger picture."

Kael didn't shoot. He gestured, and the two guards rushed them. Declan was exhausted, his body battered by the climb and the cold. He threw a punch, connecting with a jaw, but the second guard slammed a baton into his knees.

Declan went down. He tried to scramble up, but a boot pinned his neck to the concrete floor.

"Don't hurt him!" Ivy screamed, shrinking back against the wine rack.

Kael ignored her. He leaned over Declan, pressing the barrel of the gun into his cheek.

"The Judge is very specific about his narratives," Kael said conversationally. "Ivy was a problem. She was asking questions about the business. She had to go. But a simple disappearance? That brings federal scrutiny. Questions."

Kael chuckled.

"But a kidnapping? A murder-suicide by a deranged, alcoholic ex-cop who was being hounded for debt? That’s a closed case. The headlines write themselves: *'Disgraced Hero Snaps, Drowns Heiress in Drug-Fueled Rage.'*"

Declan struggled, gasping for air. "You set me up."

"We hired a patsy," Kael corrected. "You were perfect, Declan. Broken. Desperate. Violent history. The summons was just bait."

Kael pulled a syringe from his pocket.

"This is just a mild sedative," Kael said. "Enough to make sure you don't swim too hard when the car hits the water."

"No!" Declan roared.

The needle slid into his neck. The world tilted. The edges of his vision turned gray.

He saw them grab Ivy. She was fighting, kicking, screaming, but they dragged her up the stairs.

"Bring him," Kael ordered. "The car is ready."