Chapter 4: The Owner’s Voice
Vanessa’s hand tightened around the phone.
“Still want me to leave?””
Marcus said it quietly.
No anger.
No raised voice.
That made the question worse.
Jordan stared at Vanessa.
“What did the owner mean?””
Vanessa didn't answer.
“Vanessa?””
She locked her phone.
“Go to the back office.””
Jordan frowned.
“Why?””
“Because I asked you to.””
“I’m not leaving you alone with him.””
Marcus glanced at Jordan.
“That’s considerate.””
Jordan ignored him.
“Something is wrong.””
Vanessa's eyes hardened.
“Go. Now.””
Jordan shook his head.
“No.””
The word hung between them.
Vanessa stepped closer.
“Jordan, this is not the time to challenge me.””
“Then tell me what's happening.””
“I don't know.””
Marcus looked at her.
“You do.””
Vanessa turned sharply.
“You don't get to tell me what I know.””
Marcus lifted both hands.
“I didn't.””
“Then stop acting like you understand everything.””
“I never said I understood everything.””
“Then why do you keep smiling?””
Marcus looked at the key fob.
The red light blinked against his palm.
“Because you're finally asking the right questions.””
Jordan took a step toward him.
“You think this is funny?””
“No.””
“Then what is it?””
Marcus looked directly at him.
“A warning.””
Jordan's expression changed.
“A warning for who?””
Marcus didn't answer.
The luxury sedan behind them gave another electronic chirp.
Vanessa spun around.
Its headlights flashed once.
Everyone in the showroom turned.
The customer near the display vehicle stepped backward.
“What's happening?”” she asked.
Jordan moved toward the car.
“I don't know.””
Marcus stayed still.
Vanessa whispered, “Don't touch it.””
Jordan stopped.
“Why?””
“Just don't.””
The dashboard remained illuminated.
A small symbol glowed on the digital display.
Jordan stared at it.
“That's not supposed to be on.””
Marcus walked closer.
Vanessa immediately blocked him.
“No.””
Marcus stopped.
“You told me to leave.””
“Yes.””
“Now you're blocking me from touching the car.””
“Yes.””
“Interesting.””
Vanessa's jaw tightened.
“Stop saying that.””
Marcus looked past her.
“Then tell me what's interesting.””
She stared at him.
For the first time, there was no polished showroom smile.
Only fear.
The customer approached Jordan.
“Sir, I think I'm going to leave.””
Jordan nodded quickly.
“Absolutely. Let me get the door.””
He walked toward the entrance.
Marcus watched him.
Vanessa watched Marcus.
The customer reached the glass doors.
Before Jordan could open them, the doors unlocked automatically.
A man stepped inside.
Black.
Late fifties.
Dark tailored suit.
No tie.
He stopped just inside the entrance.
Jordan froze.
Vanessa's face went pale.
Marcus looked at the newcomer.
The man looked directly at Marcus.
Nobody spoke.
Then the man said, “You shouldn't have come here.””
Marcus's expression didn't change.
Vanessa whispered, “Mr. Reed?””
The man ignored her.
Marcus looked at him.
“That's one way to say hello.””
Jordan stared.
“Who is he?””
Vanessa answered without taking her eyes off the man.
“He's the owner's attorney.””
The attorney took several slow steps forward.
His shoes clicked across the marble.
“Where is the key?””
Marcus looked down.
The old black fob rested in his hand.
“You already know.””
The attorney's eyes narrowed.
“I need you to give it to me.””
Marcus smiled faintly.
“No.””
Jordan looked at Vanessa.
“What the hell is going on?””
Vanessa snapped, “Jordan, be quiet.””
The attorney stopped a few feet away.
“Marcus.””
The name changed the room.
Vanessa's eyes widened.
Jordan looked at Marcus.
Marcus simply stared back.
The attorney lowered his voice.
“Please.””
Marcus studied him.
“You know what happens if I give it to you.””
“Yes.””
“And you're still asking?””
“Yes.””
“Then the owner hasn't changed.””
The attorney looked toward Vanessa.
“Did you activate the system?””
Vanessa shook her head.
“No.””
Marcus lifted the key fob slightly.
“I did.””
The attorney closed his eyes for a moment.
“Then it's already recording.””
Jordan stared at the red light.
“Recording what?””
Nobody answered.
The customer at the door hurried outside.
The attorney watched her leave.
Then he looked back at Marcus.
“You need to come with me.””
Marcus shook his head.
“No.””
“Why?””
“Because I'm waiting.””
“For what?””
Marcus looked toward the showroom's private elevator.
The doors were closed.
“Her.””
Vanessa's face tightened.
“Who?””
Marcus didn't answer.
The elevator chimed.
Everyone turned.
The doors began to open.
Vanessa whispered one word.
“No.””
May you like
Marcus's eyes remained fixed on the opening doors.
And someone stepped out.
