Chapter 13: The Confrontation
258 words
Armed with the cash for the data recovery, Elena felt a surge of adrenaline, but Thorne had moved faster. His lawyers had served her with a demand for a 'mediation meeting' at his clinic. Kendra had fitted her with a wire, taping the small recorder to her chest beneath her sweater. "Get him to admit he sent the photos," Kendra had directed.
The clinic was a palace of marble and orchids. Thorne sat behind a glass desk, looking every bit the god he believed he was. He didn't offer her a seat.
"You're persistent, Elena. Like a roach," Thorne smiled, his teeth perfectly veneered. "I'm willing to increase the settlement to twenty thousand. Purely out of pity."
"I saw the video, Marcus," Elena said, stepping closer. The wire itched against her skin. "I know you were drunk. I know about the loan sharks."
Thorne’s smile vanished. He stood up, smoothing his Italian suit. "You have nothing but a corrupted file and a history of mental instability. Who will the judge believe? The surgeon of the year, or the extortionist blackmailer?"
He walked around the desk, invading her personal space. He smelled of expensive cologne and antiseptic.
"You should take the money," he whispered, leaning down to her ear. "Before things get... complicated for innocent bystanders."
"Is that a threat?" Elena’s voice shook.
Thorne checked his watch. "I know your daughter, Sophie, takes the 3:15 bus home. Lovely girl. Looks just like you used to."
Elena froze. The recording laws didn't matter anymore. He knew where Sophie was.
End of Chapter 13
