Chapter 5 - The Fortress at Lake Arrowhead
By nightfall, Agent Vance, two trusted tactical officers from his special squad, and I were parked in an unmarked SUV half a mile from the Sterling mountain estate. I had insisted on coming; I knew Harrison’s handwriting and details about his personal life that might be needed to verify his identity if things went chaotic. Elena stayed behind in Pasadena with Chloe, keeping her safe under police protection.
The estate was a sprawling compound surrounded by ten-foot stone walls, security cameras, and motion sensors. Nestled deep in the pine forests of Lake Arrowhead, it looked more like a luxurious prison than a mountain retreat.
Using high-powered night-vision binoculars, Vance scanned the perimeter. “Guards on two-hour rotations. Private security firm. They’re armed, but they aren't expecting a federal raid because they think they’re safe behind corporate lawyers.”
“Look there,” I pointed toward the north wing of the main house. A small, heavily barred window sat almost at ground level, partially obscured by thick evergreen bushes.
“That matches the basement layout Harrison described in his log,” Vance nodded.
Suddenly, the compound’s gates swung open. A sleek black limousine pulled into the driveway, escorted by two SUVs. Through the tinted glass of the middle vehicle, I caught a glimpse of Rachel Collins—the fake Victoria.
“She’s here,” I whispered, panic rising in my chest. “Why is she here?”
“She’s sweeping her tracks,” Vance said, his tone icy. “She knows the rag doll reached you. She’s here to clean up the evidence.”
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“We have to go in now!” I urged, grabbing Vance’s arm. “If she realizes what’s happening, Harrison won't survive the night!”
Vance looked at his watch, then at his two officers. “The official backup team is still an hour away. But if a life is in immediate danger, exigent circumstances allow us to enter without waiting. Put on your vests. We’re going in quiet.”
