Chapter 15 - THE NIGHT MERCER CAME HIMSELF
Mercer disappeared before authorities could execute a new arrest warrant.
Police located his abandoned vehicle near the interstate. His passport remained at home, but fifty thousand dollars had been removed from one of his hidden accounts.
Mara moved Walter to a protected location.
He lasted four hours.
“I will cooperate with protection,” he said, “but I will not sit in a hotel while strangers pack my life into evidence boxes.”
Mara drove him home with two deputies stationed nearby.
At 11:43 p.m., the electricity failed.
The backup security system activated, but the porch cameras went black one by one.
Mercer entered through the basement.
Walter heard the door before anyone else.
Evan was sleeping on the couch. He rose and moved toward the hallway just as Mercer appeared holding a metal crowbar.
“Where’s the drive?” Mercer demanded.
Evan stepped between him and the staircase.
Mercer swung.
Evan caught the blow on his shoulder and fell against the wall. Walter reached for the alarm button, but Mercer kicked it away.
“You should have signed the land over when you were asked,” Mercer said.
Walter looked past him.
Mara stood at the basement doorway with her service weapon lowered but ready.
“Drop it.”
Mercer pulled Evan upright and pressed the crowbar across his throat.
Mara did not move closer.
Evan’s face tightened with pain.
“Dad,” he said, “go upstairs.”
Walter stayed where he was.
“No.”
Mercer laughed. “Still giving orders?”
Walter met his eyes.
“No. I’m staying where my son can see me.”
Evan drove his elbow backward.
The crowbar dropped.
Deputies rushed in before Mercer could reach it.
For the first time, Evan had chosen his father before himself.
May you like
It did not erase the night of the bat.
But it changed the night they were living now.
