Page 95 of Matrix

“Okay. Then can we go back to the clubhouse?”

“Maybe. I don’t know yet.”

That’s the only answer I can give her because I truly don’t know what we’re going to do afterward. I’ll be able to think more clearly about the future once the raid is over. Right now, I’m taking things one step at a time because it’s the only option I’ve got if I want to maintain my sanity. I just hope we get the evidence we need to lock Blackstone up for good. That will make this entire nightmare worth it. Men like him don’t deserve freedom. I can’t wait to see him in handcuffs.

Chapter 23: Daisy

Angie and I stand beside two agents tasked with watching us while the raid goes down. We’re tucked behind the agents’ black SUV, waiting for Vale to serve the warrant. Vale didn’t want Blackstone to see us right away, so we’re waiting for his signal several hundred yards down the road around a bend. I can’t see the house from here, but we’ll be going in soon enough.

I squeeze Angie’s hand. She’s frozen, probably petrified, and I don’t blame her one bit. Walking back into the house where she was held captive is incredibly brave. I can’t wait for this to be over. It’s only the beginning, though. Unless he confesses, we’ll have to go through a trial, complete with the ensuing media circus that comes with any high-profile case. I’m not looking forward to that part of this process.

Vale’s planning on knocking on the door at exactly six a.m. He wants the early morning element of surprise on our side. I agree. This is the best time to perform a search. It catches people off-guard when we show up at daybreak. They’re usually not awake enough to think through their response to the warrant, which we can use to our advantage.

Although the sky is getting lighter, the sun hasn’t peeked over the mountains. It’s nearly freezing, but I’m sweating through my shirt. I haven’t worn a Kevlar vest in months. It’s heavy as hell, already chafing. Regardless, I’m glad I’ve got it. Agent Vale isn’t letting me anywhere near the action, but I’ve seen raids go horribly wrong in the past. Blackstone shouldn’t know we’re coming, but a man like him has eyes and ears everywhere. We’ve got to be prepared for anything.

Everyone’s in place, waiting for Vale’s signal. The heavy weight of anticipation fills the air. My heart’s pounding. I take a deep breath to steady myself. This is it. The moment we’ve been waiting for. Blackstone’s about to find out what happens to anyone who hurts my sister. He’s about to pay for what he did.

The radio squawks. Suddenly, they’re going in.

I wait for the sound of gunshots, but nothing comes. It’s eerily silent. I was expecting an explosive situation. A shootout. Something. But none of that happens.

“All clear.” Vale’s voice carries through the radio.“Bring the witness in.”

“Let’s go.” One of the agents tasked with babysitting us leads the way. When we’re just outside the front door, he hands us off to Vale.

“Remember, the warrant is very specific. We can’t search the whole house, only the basement,” Vale says.

“I know. You already told me that.” Angie’s voice wavers, but she holds her head high. She’s trying not to show any fear, but clearly, she’s terrified.

“Where’s Blackstone?” I ask.

“In the living room. We’re going to walk past him when we go in. Are you going to be okay?” he asks Angie.

She nods.

“Did you remember how to get to the door to the basement?” I ask.

“It’s through the kitchen,” Angie says.

“Okay.” Vale walks ahead of us.

As we enter the sprawling ranch house, I can’t help but gawk at the splendor. In addition to custom woodwork throughout the grand entryway, Blackstone has priceless art on display. Massive oil paintings line the walls. A huge, fresh flower arrangement, bigger than any I’ve ever seen, sits on a decorative table in one corner of the living room. It’s eclipsed by a massive stone fireplace that covers most of one wall.

Several agents stand over a man sitting on the sofa. When the guy turns to glare at us, I immediately recognize him from his campaign commercials. Wild black hair sticks up from Blackstone’s head in every direction. He’s over six feet tall with a wraith-like, pale complexion. He’s smiling, but pure evil radiates from his eyes. He’s giving us the cold, calculating gaze of a man planning a murder. His eyes are almost black, simmering with rage. His innate malevolence shocks me to the core. I knew he was a monster, but this is something else. It’s like I’m staring into the eyes of the Devil himself.

“Hello, Agent Banner. It’s so nice to finally meet you.” He attempts to stand, but an agent tells him to stay seated. Blackstone glowers at the other man before plastering a fake smile across his face.“Good luck with your search.”

“You’re done, Blackstone.” I give him a smug smirk.“I hope you enjoy your time in prison.”

“I highly doubt I’ll be seeing the inside of a cell anytime soon.” His confident tone sends chills down my spine.

“Come on,” Vale says, motioning me and Angie forward.

We don’t speak until we’re in the kitchen, out of Blackstone’s view.

“It’s through there.” Angie points at a perfectly normal-looking wooden door.

“I’ll go in first.” Vale pulls his sidearm and holds it at the ready.

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