Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past

The penthouse walls were painted with flashing red and blue lights, whose reflections created a wild dance of light. I remained still, and I didn't move. My heart was beating so fast in my chest as Martin raised his head, his face filled with panic and disbelief about what was happening. 

"This is a mistake," he said calmly; his voice was low. 

"Martin Bryan," the policeman said, "you are under arrest for suspicion of embezzlement, fraud, and conspiracy." 

I couldn't admit what was happening because at that moment my head was filled with confusion as two officers approached our house, their hands hovering over the halls. One of them yanked Martin's arms behind his back, securing him in handcuffs. 

"Wait!" I stepped forward and shouted. "He didn't do anything!" 

"This is a warrant from the District Attorney's office," one of the policemen stated, bringing up a packet. "If you interfere, ma'am, we'll have to detain you as well." 

My blood turned chilly. I wanted to yell and demand answers, but Martin's harsh stare stopped me. 

"Rina," he stated firmly, leaving no space for debate. "Stay here. "Don't trust anyone until I come back." 

"Martin, "I mean it." His eyes burned with an intensity that I didn't understand. "Stay safe." 

As they led him out, I felt the weight of the stillness that followed. It crushed in on me, smothering and merciless. Ben's smug smirk was the last thing I saw before he slipped out of the apartment, undetected by the officers. 

The hours that followed passed in a blur. I walked the living room, my thoughts whirling. Nothing made sense. Yes, Martin was cutthroat in business, but what about embezzlement? Conspiracy? It wouldn't fit. 

I attempted to phone Victor, Martin's lawyer, but he did not answer. Messages left for Hannah also remained unanswered. It was as if the entire world was closing in on me, leaving me alone in the pandemonium. 

Then my phone vibrated. 

The message was from an unknown number. 

You're not safe there. Join me at the old gallery. Midnight. "You must come alone." 

My stomach twisted. Was this another one of Ben's games? Or was there something more sinister? 

I looked around the penthouse, the magnificence now feeling like a gilded cage. If Martin was correct and I wasn't secure, staying here was a gamble I couldn't take. 

By the time I arrived at the old gallery, the city had settled into its normal nocturnal rhythm. Shadows hung across the abandoned structure, its once-vibrant murals fading and peeled. 

I stepped inside, my footsteps echoing in the vast area. The air was humid, and the faint odour of turpentine lingered from years ago. 

"Hello?" I called with shaking voice. "Rina," a familiar voice called from the darkness. 

Victor was the name. His normally controlled demeanour was frayed, his suit dishevelled, and his tie unbuttoned. 

"Victor," I said, relief sweeping over me. "Thank you, God. What is going on? Why is Martin being apprehended? "Who sent that message?" 

"I did," he said, his tone solemn. "But we don't have much time." "Time for what?" 

"Martin's arrest wasn't a coincidence," Victor explained quietly. "Ben's been pulling strings behind the scenes, using old connections and dirty tricks to bring him down." But... this is bigger than Ben." 

"Bigger how?" I enquired, fear building in my stomach. 

Victor paused before removing a document from his briefcase. "Martin's enemies extend beyond his family. People with whom he has had economic dealings and who regard him as a threat. Ben is collaborating with them to demolish what Martin has built—and you are their leverage." 

"Me?" My voice broke. 

Victor gave a nod. "Ben knew you were Martin's one weakness. And now they're chasing you to make sure he has nothing left to fight for. 

I staggered back, the impact of his words hitting in. "What do I do?" 

Victor approached, his expression stern. "You need to disappear. Tonight. If you stay, you'll become their next target. 

"No." I shook my head. "I'm not running." "I'm not leaving Martin." 

"Rina—" "He told me to stay safe," I said, my voice steady. "I'm not doing it by fleeing. There must be another way. 

Victor sighs, his shoulders dropping. "There might be." 

"What is it?" Before he could respond, the sound of footsteps filled the gallery. 

"Run!" Victor shouted, thrusting the papers into my grasp. "Victor—" 

 I turned and ran, the adrenaline pulling me ahead as the footsteps became louder. I didn't dare to glance back, but I heard Victor shouting, a struggle, and then a terrible quiet. 

I raced out of the gallery, clutching the folder to my chest. The city lights blurred as tears streamed down my cheeks, but I kept sprinting until I was safely back in the penthouse. 

My heart was hammering as I bolted every door and window. I opened the files Victor had given me, looking for an explanation. 

Contracts, bank statements, and a photograph were among the documents found within. 

I was stunned by the shot. 

It showed Martin and an unknown individual shaking hands in what appeared to be a beautiful office. He had a scar down his cheek and a nasty smirk. 

Three phrases were scrawled on the back of the photograph: *"Find the truth."* 

My phone buzzed again before I could process what was happening. Another unidentified number. 

You should've run. Now is too late. 

The lights in the penthouse flickered and the air became frigid. I turned slowly, my breath shortening as I noticed a shadow glide across the corridor. 

There was someone inside. 

I took the vase from the counter, my sole weapon, and crept towards the sounds. 

A figure appeared from the darkness, and I swung the vase with all my might. It cracked on the intruder's arm, prompting a moan of pain. 

"Rina, stop!" The voice was familiar. All too familiar. 

"Martin?" He stood there panting and dishevelled, the cuffs removed but his wrists bruised. 

"You're supposed to be in jail," I exclaimed, my voice shaking. 

"I escaped," he announced, his tone frantic. "We don't have the time to explain. Rina, they are coming for you. We have to leave. Now." 

Before I could react, the sound of glass breaking filled the air. 

Martin took my hand and led me to the concealed lift. 

As we dropped, the walls trembled from the intensity of whatever was happening above us. 

"Where are we going?" I asked, my voice shaking. "To end this," he stated, his eyes stern. 

When the lift halted, the doors opened to reveal a dimly lighted underground hallway. 

Martin went outside, his grip on my hand tightening. 

"Stay close," he murmured in a whisper. We progressed through the passage, the air becoming colder with each step. As we neared the finish, a figure walked into the light. 

Ben. His smile was cold. "Going somewhere?"