I felt a cold chill run down my spine.

If Eleanor was willing to pay me off, she was desperate.

The data on that flash drive must contain something far worse than simple port fraud.

“I need to go see Clara,” I said to Cho.

“Keep your phone on, Madeline,” Cho said, standing up.

“If Eleanor calls back with a specific offer, I want to know about it.”

“I will,” I said.

I left the observation room and walked down the quiet, sterile hallway of the police station.

The air outside was crisp and smelled of autumn rain.

I got into my car, the steering wheel cold beneath my hands.

I started the engine and sat there for a moment, watching the wipers sweep a thin layer of mist from the windshield.

My mind was racing.

Eleanor’s offer was a trap, but it was also an opportunity.

If the sum was large enough, it could secure Clara’s safety forever.

But at what cost?

I drove toward the small cottage where Clara was staying.

The streets were dark, the yellow streetlights casting long shadows on the wet asphalt.