His eyes were cold, unfamiliar. You don’t understand. I didn’t expect to be reunited with my son like this. Tears streamed down Helen’s face. You’re not a criminal. You’re a victim of a plane crash. Sometimes there’s a thin line between victim and criminal, Zayn replied. We’ve got to do what it takes to stay alive. Heavy fists pounded on the door.
Bruno, a thick Russian accent called, “Open door.” “We got attacked. Alec, gone. We need to secure office.” Zayn and Ricky exchanged glances, but remained silent. More pounding, more demands in Russian, then gunshots right outside the door. The Russian voices cut off mid-sentence. Helen heard bodies hitting the floor.
A different knock came, lighter, almost casual. “It’s me.” A Mexican accented voice said. “Eddric.” Ricky looked to Zayn, who nodded. Helen watched her son grip his gun with practiced ease. Whatever innocence he’d once possessed had been stripped away by 19 years in this hell. Ricky unlocked the door cautiously.
Edric Canvo entered quickly, blood splattered on his shirt, the acurid smell of gunpowder clinging to him. He closed the door behind him and threw the locks. “It’s done,” Edric announced, wiping sweat from his brow. “I and my men held our side of the deal. This empire is mine now.” And he looked directly at Zayn. I want your loyalty, both of you.
I dealt with Alec real good in his office. put three peanuts in his head. Alex Sulof promised us fame, Edric continued. Said if we trafficked drugs and laundered money through tours, he’d make us stars. But he never fulfilled that promise. Kept me here as his manager while he lay with girls and counted money. Edric’s eyes gleamed. I’m not like Alec.
As we’ve discussed, I’ll continue this empire, but I’ll also make you a real band again. give you the fame you deserve. Don’t worry about the drugs. Just funnel the stinky money for me. That’s your end of the bargain. As we discussed, Ricky stepped forward. You didn’t bring my parents. They’re both dead. Hedrickk said bluntly.
Died years ago, but I fulfilled my promise to Zayn. I brought Helen. I didn’t like what you did to my mother. Using her as a mule, making her swallow packages. What the hell were you thinking? Your mother was about to visit your father. Edric snapped. What did you expect me to do? If she’d told him anything, he would have called Alec and blown the whole operation.
Our entire plan would have unraveled. He glanced at Helen, his tone sharp. And if I hadn’t made her swallow those packages, she wouldn’t have ended up here in your office. Might go straight down to the incinerator. His gaze lingered on her before shifting to Zayn. She was just so difficult to convince. Reminds me of someone else I know.
He narrowed his eyes. I’m guessing none of you realized the police already found the jet this morning. They did? Ricky asked, shocked. News hasn’t reached us inside yet. Helen spoke up, her voice trembling. Yes, I saw it myself. The Navy pulled it from the ocean. She turned to Zayn, comprehension dawning. Your father knew about all this all along? Zayn sighed. It’s a long story.
I’ll explain everything later. You remember dad was our band manager. His eyes flicked to Edric’s hand as it hovered near his gun once more. I I’ll keep my promise. As we agreed, I’ll hold up my part. Edric extended his hand and Zayn took it, their grips firm but tense. I’m sorry, Mom, Zayn said, his voice low.
But this way, we can be together again and safe. Helen clutched her mouth as the weight of the betrayal crashed over her. Her knees gave way, and she caught herself against the table. All these years, she’d believed Malcolm had been broken by grief. But now she realized his time in the mental facility had been a calculated escape. Once released, he’d quietly returned home, dodging the police and their questions.