Chapter 6 - The Escape
They left the island that night on Ethan's private jet.
Clara didn't know where they were going.
Ethan refused to tell her.
"This is for your safety," he said.
"Ethan, what if something happens to you?"
"Nothing is going to happen to me."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
---
The jet flew for six hours, crossing the ocean in the darkness.
When they landed, Clara had no idea where they were.
Ethan led her to a car that was waiting for them.
"Where are we?" she asked.
"Somewhere safe. That's all you need to know."
"Ethan, I don't want to be in the dark."
"I know. I'm sorry. But this is the only way."
"Ethan, you need to trust me."
"I trust you. But I can't take any chances."
"Why not?"
"Because Veronica has resources. She has eyes everywhere. If she finds out where we are, she'll come after you."
"Ethan, I'm not going to hide forever."
"I know. But I need to make sure you're safe. For now, this is the best option."
---
They drove through the night, through winding roads and dense forests.
Finally, they arrived at a secluded cabin in the mountains.
"This is where we'll stay for now," Ethan said.
"It's beautiful," Clara said.
"It's safe."
"Thank you, Ethan."
"Thank me when this is all over."
---
The cabin was warm and cozy, with a fireplace and a view of the mountains.
Clara sat on the couch, her hand on her belly, watching Ethan build a fire.
"What are we going to do?" she asked.
"Wait."
"Wait for what?"
"Wait for the trial. Wait for Veronica to be convicted."
"Ethan, what if she's not convicted? What if she gets away with it?"
"She won't. I'll make sure of it."
"How?"
"Because I have evidence. Evidence that will put her away for a very long time."
"What kind of evidence?"
"Surveillance footage. Recordings. Witness statements."
"Ethan, you have all that?"
"Yes. I've been preparing for this for weeks."
"And you didn't tell me?"
"I didn't want to worry you."
"Ethan, you need to stop keeping secrets."
"Clara, I'm not keeping secrets. I'm protecting you."
"By lying to me?"
"I haven't lied to you."
"You've hidden things."
"To protect you."
"Ethan, I don't want to be protected. I want to be informed."
"Clara, I need you to trust me."
"I do trust you. But I also need to know what's going on."
"Okay. I'll tell you everything."
May you like
"Promise?"
"Promise."
