“He has another copy of the account records. If the vault is opened incorrectly, the money will be transferred automatically to hundreds of shell companies. We will lose the ability to trace it forever.”
Arthur nodded approvingly.
“Your wife has learned to appreciate the importance of financial architecture.”
Olivia looked at the central terminal.
“What do you want me to do?”
Arthur gestured toward the glass enclosure.
“Place your hand on the scanner. Authenticate the account. Then we can finally complete what your parents started.”
“And if I refuse?”
Arthur's smile disappeared.
“Then I will make sure everyone you love pays for your decision.”
Olivia looked at Walker.
He was staring at the screen showing his daughter.
She looked at Rebecca, who had quietly moved toward the nearest guard.
Then she looked at Sarah.
Sarah was standing near the entrance, her face tense.
Olivia understood that everyone was waiting for her decision.
She took one step toward the terminal.
Thomas whispered, “Don't.”
Olivia continued.
She placed her hand on the scanner.
A blue light moved across her palm.
The terminal displayed her name.
IDENTITY VERIFIED.
Arthur clapped his hands once.
“Wonderful.”
A second message appeared.
ORIGINAL ACCOUNT AUTHENTICATION REQUIRED.
Arthur moved toward the terminal.
“Now enter the confirmation code.”
Olivia looked at him.
“I don't know it.”
“You do.”
“No, I don't.”
Arthur smiled.
“Your father taught it to you.”
Thomas looked confused.
“What?”
Arthur turned toward him.
“You gave her the code when she was a child. You simply didn't tell her what it meant.”
Olivia remembered the phrase her father had used to comfort her.
Your voice is the one thing nobody can take away.
She entered the words.
I WILL NOT STAY SILENT.
The screen flashed green.
ACCOUNT AUTHENTICATED.
Arthur's smile widened.
“Now we are getting somewhere.”
A new menu appeared.
SELECT FINAL OPERATION.
Three options appeared on the screen.
-
Transfer all funds to the original beneficiaries.
-
Preserve all accounts and records.
-
Release the complete Nightfall archive to public authorities.
Arthur pointed toward the second option.
“Select preserve. That will restore the system and protect everyone involved.”
Olivia looked at the third option.
“That would expose everything.”
“Yes,” Arthur said. “And it would also expose your mother, your father, and everyone who ever participated in the operation.”
Elizabeth lowered her pistol.
“Olivia, don't do it.”
Olivia turned toward her.
“Why not?”
“Because the records contain names of innocent people who were forced to cooperate. Some of them were threatened. Some were blackmailed. Some were children when their identities were used.”
Arthur nodded.
“Your mother understands the consequences. You do not.”
Olivia looked at the options again.
“Then we need to separate the innocent from the guilty.”
Arthur laughed.
“You cannot rewrite history.”
“No. But I can stop you from controlling it.”
She reached toward the third option.
Arthur's expression changed.
“Don't touch that.”
Olivia pressed it.
The screen went black.
Then a warning appeared.
PUBLIC RELEASE INITIATED.
A loud alarm sounded throughout the vault.
Arthur lunged toward her.
Thomas intercepted him, and the two men crashed against the glass enclosure. One of the guards raised his weapon, but Rebecca fired first, striking the weapon from his hand.
Walker rushed toward the terminal.
“Olivia, the release is starting!”
Grant pulled a small device from his pocket and pressed it.
The lights flickered.
A new warning appeared.
REMOTE OVERRIDE DETECTED.
“Stop the transmission!” Arthur shouted.
Grant typed rapidly.
Olivia tried to pull him away, but he shoved her backward.
“You have no idea what you've done!”
Walker grabbed Grant's arm.
“Get away from the terminal!”
Grant swung at him. Walker stumbled, hitting the edge of the desk.
The second guard ran toward the entrance.
Sarah stepped into his path.
“Not this time.”
He raised his weapon, but Sarah struck his arm and knocked him against the doorframe. Rebecca rushed forward and restrained him.
Thomas and Arthur were still struggling.
“Thomas!” Olivia shouted.
Arthur struck her father in the face. Thomas fell to one knee.
Arthur reached for the terminal.
But before he could touch it, Elizabeth fired.
The bullet struck the metal frame beside his hand.
Everyone froze.
Elizabeth was crying.
“Stop it, Arthur.”
He slowly turned toward her.
“You wouldn't dare.”
“I've spent twenty years doing what you told me.”
“You owe me everything.”
“No,” she whispered. “I owe my daughter the truth.”
Arthur looked at Olivia.
“Your mother is weak. Just like your father.”
Elizabeth lowered the gun slightly.
“I know what I am. But I know what you are too.”
She pressed a small button on the side of her weapon.
A hidden recording device began transmitting.
Arthur's face changed.