Chapter Thirty-Seven
Mariah
I’m sitting in a dimly lit corner of the ship’s library, my laptop open in front of me. The monitor displays multiple camera visuals showing distinct areas throughout the ship. My heart pounds as I watch all the live scenes before me.
Reuben executes his plan well, but some aspects stretch toward excessive perfection. I see faces I’ve come to know over the past weeks, people I’ve shared meals and conversations with, all revealing their true colors.
Johnson from accounting huddles in a corner with his phone, whispering frantically to someone about “insider information.” HR representative Taylor can be seen in her cabin quickly stuffing what appears to be confidential documents into her briefcase.
But it’s the scene in Reuben’s office that makes my blood run cold. Sarah, his assistant, and Mark, his secretary, search through his desk drawers while wearing cheerful smiles.
“Can you believe our luck?” Sarah speaks metallically through an obscured microphone. Crowley has finally slipped up. The sponsors will see this as wonderful news.
Mark nods vigorously while showing everyone a flash drive. “They found Reuben’s complete private file archive packed in this location. We’ll be set for life after this.”
My stomach feels extremely nauseous. These people, whom Reuben trusted, whom I’ve started to consider friends, are all in on it. Every single one of them.
The video evidence downloads onto my phone while my heart pounds rapidly.
Damning footage flickers on the display, showing hushed conversations with secret exchanges that clearly prove the conspiracy aimed at Reuben.
My fingers shake slightly as I save these files because I need to send this information to Reuben immediately.
As I pivot to run back toward our rendezvous location, an icy sensation strikes my spine. Someone stands behind me, and a shadow that looms larger than normal fills the space. I freeze in place, my breath catching in my throat as I slowly turn around.
My eyes widen as I come face-to-face with James, the department head who once made unwanted advances toward me. His narrowed eyes dart back and forth between my face and the phone he holds.
“Interesting viewing material?” he asks me with a tone that sounds too relaxed to be genuine.
I force myself to swallow while my thoughts race. How long has he been there? How much has he seen? I muster a smile while maintaining control of my voice. “Oh, James! I didn’t see you there. I’m checking in on some . . . personal video material.”
He raises an eyebrow, his expression revealing complete disbelief. “Personal videos that have you looking like you’ve seen a ghost? Come on, Mariah. We both know that’s not true.”
My heart hammers against my ribcage as I realize I’m trapped. It’s only James standing in front of my sole exit as we remain alone in the hallway. I clench my phone tightly in my hand because this evidence must stay protected.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I say, trying to sound confused and innocent. “I was just heading back to find Reuben.”
His eyes become dangerous as James moves toward me. “Reuben? The man you were shouting at in the bar? Somehow, I doubt that.”
My body moves backward without thought until I feel my spine against the wall. I remain anxious about planning, my only chance to rescue myself from this bind. I remember Reuben’s words from our planning sessions: “If you’re ever cornered, create a diversion. Use their expectations against them.”
I take a deep breath before risking everything with a single desperate gamble.
My shoulders drop while tears begin to form in my eyes.
“You’re right,” I whisper, injecting a tremor into my voice.
“I . . . I searched for damaging information against Reuben. Because of his actions toward me, my mind has become consumed by thoughts of revenge.”
James shifts from doubtful to curious as he looks at me. “Revenge? What kind of revenge?”
My lips press tightly against my teeth while my eyes meet his above my lashes.
“The thought strikes me that if I discover any kind of leverage against him, I might be able to recover something from this catastrophe. But I never expect . . . this.” My hand moves in vague motions while holding my phone.
His body leans forward as curiosity now dominates his cautious instincts. “What did you find?”
I stand here wavering, pretending to be the lovelorn fiancée who feels betrayed. “I’m not sure I should . . .”
“You can trust me, Mariah,” he says, his voice softening. “Let me help you.”
The idea of hope briefly shines on my face. “Really? You’d do that?”
His head bobs up and down as his hand moves toward my phone. “Of course. Let me see what you’ve found, and we can figure out how to use it.”
I take action when his fingers brush against mine. My knee thrusts upward, connecting with his groin in a direct hit. He doubles over with a groan, and I don’t waste a second.
I dart past him, my feet pounding against the floor as I sprint down the hallway. His curses reach my ears, but I don’t turn around to look at him. The burning sensation in my lungs pushes me forward toward the meeting location while I hope Reuben has arrived.
As I turn the corner of the hallway, my path almost crosses with several passengers. I apologize quickly under my breath while dodging people, my eyes searching desperately for Reuben.
The moment I reach the top of the stairs to Reuben’s private study, where I know he waits, I notice a massive shape above me and turn to face the large, muscular man standing in my path.
As I search for a way out, my eyes widen at the sight of James hobbling toward me. My kick lands precisely but fails to hold him down long enough to stop him from contacting another conspirator.
“Well now, missy,” the huge man leers, “it looks like we’re going to have some fun alone time.”
With no other choice remaining, I open my mouth to scream, but James slams a rag down my throat, and his partner locks my arm as they drag me away.