Watching the damning Travis video on the laptop, Kimberly sat in startled quiet. Every video revealed still another level of uncertainty and anxiety. It was becoming out that the man she had come to know and perhaps even love was a vicious criminal. Her thoughts whirling with questions and desperation, she looked to Isabella.
What are you expecting me to do?Shaking her voice, Kimberly asked.
Isabella had both urgency and satisfaction in her gaze. Helping me compile more proof is what I need. Travis has to be exposed in a way that makes it impossible for him to elude punishment.
Kimberly waited a second. How am I to believe you? Once, you utilized him.
For a split second, Isabella's face softened and a hint of fragility showed. I was powerless back then. Byron... He is a skilled deceitful. Though I believed I loved him, all I was in his game was a pawn. I'm attempting to right things now.
Steps were coming through the warehouse before Kimberly could answer. Isabella grew serious. We are running short of time. Decide, Kimberly. You with me or not?In a
Heartbeat hammered in Kimberly. She looked at Jasmine, who nodded a little, determination and terror mixed together in her eyes.
Kimberly responded, "We're with you," her voice firm. We must, however, have a strategy.
Working with Isabella, Kimberly and Jasmine back at her flat came up with a plan. Without telling Travis what they were up to, they would have to collect more proof. Being his prospective bride would place Kimberly in grave risk while also giving her access to vital information.
"Travis has a network of loyalists," Isabella cautioned. Folks who will stop at nothing to keep him safe. There will be dangers.
Nodding, Kimberly braced herself for the work that lay ahead. I get that. My first step will be to search for files and papers that could implicate him. Isabella, you will be needed to guide me in knowing what to look for.
"I will lead you," Isabella reassured her. "But keep in mind that Travis won't think twice to remove the threat if he even thinks you're into him."
Days went by and Kimberly realized she was leading two lives. Daytime she charmed Travis and his friends as a committed fiancée. She surreptitiously collected proof by pouring over paperwork at night. There was obvious stress, and it was wearing.
It creaked open one evening as she was going through paperwork in Travis's office. Travis entered and Kimberly felt her heart spring into her throat. Hopeless that he hadn't noticed, she hurriedly stuffed the papers into a drawer.
Warm but tinged with mistrust, Travis said, "Kimberly." Why are you here so late at night?'
Forced to smile, she said, "I couldn't sleep." I figured I would finish some work.
Kimberly thought Travis was looking behind her façade for a few seconds as his eyes narrowed. His face then softened, though. You are committed. I like that about you, among other things.
He moved closer, staring hard. Have you given my suggestion any more thought?
Kimberly forced down a big gulp. Of course. And I realize... I feel prepared to go on. But we have to talk about a few things first.
Travis grinned triumphantly at me. Naturally so. It will be handled one step at a time.
The weight of her lie ached in Kimberly's heart as he leaned in to kiss her. For the sake of learning the truth, she understood she had to remain strong.
Meet me in the abandoned warehouse, Isabella texted Kimberly on her phone a few nights later. Our lead is new.
Nervous, Kimberly sneaked out of her flat and headed for the warehouse. Isabella and Jasmine were crowded over a laptop inside.
You found what?Just above a whisper, Kimberly asked.
Isabella raised an icy gaze in her eyes. "We have found a number of offshore accounts associated with Blackwood Enterprises. There are enormous transactions involving illicit weapon sales and money laundering.
Kimberly had a churning stomach. This has to be reported to the authorities.
Not yet, Isabella said. More is needed. Travis will bury the evidence if we approach them right now. We want something unquestionable.
Kimberly's phone rang once more as they were talking about their next course of action, this time from Travis: *Where are you?Then
Then panic shot through her. I had to head out. Travis is beginning to suspect some things.
She felt Isabella grab her arm. Kimberly, go carefully. More deadly than you think.
Kimberly carried on her clandestine business throughout the next few weeks. She attended social gatherings and meetings with Travis, all the while subtly collecting evidence. Every piece of information she learned advanced her into danger as well as closer to the truth.
Travis brought Kimberly to an opulent event one night. Influential people crowded the space, and Travis was enchanting everyone in his path. Though her mind was on the work at hand, Kimberly did her part flawlessly.
Victor Crane was a face she recognized in the gathering as she mixed with the visitors. Heart rate increased. To what purpose was he here?
Victor walked up to her, a menacing smile. Doing well this evening, Ms. Dalton?In a
Kimberley smiled obligingly. OK, many thanks.
Victor sat down, his voice a quiet murmur. You seem to still be the committed fiancée. What is the longest you believe you can maintain the pretense?In a
Heart thumped for Kimberly. You seem to know a lot about this.
Victor grinned more broadly now. OK, I believe you do. Travis is beginning to suspect, I believe as well. Kymberly, exercise caution. You are straddling a very thin line.
Kimberly experienced a surge of fear as Victor turned to go. This had to be finished, and quickly.
Urgent was the message Isabella sent Kimberly late one night. Catch me where I usually am.
Reluctant to wake Travis, Kimberly slid out of bed. Her pulse hammering with expectation, she headed for the warehouse. With solemn looks, Isabella and Jasmine were waiting inside.
"Isabella handed Kimberly the last piece," she continued. "We have all we need to bring Travis down with this."
Opening the file, Kimberly looked over the papers. There was proof of money laundering, illicit gun sales, and ties to organized crime. Unquestionably, it was.
"We have to report this to the police," Kimberly added, her voice firm. "Tonight."
Nod from Isabella. Liked. But exercise caution. Travis peers everywhere.
The warehouse door blew wide as they got ready to go. Guns blazing, a troop of guys charged in. As Kimberly saw they were Travis's supporters, her heart leaped into her throat.
Drop the files, one of the men said in a chilly voice.
Mentally, Kimberly was racing. Everything they had labored for would be gone if they lost the evidence now. Yet there was no escape.
Abruptly the warehouse reverberated with a succession of deafening bangs. Kimberly turned as the men collapsed to the ground and saw Victor standing at the doorway, a revolver in his hand.
Move! "He yelled. Let me hold them off. Take the proof and bolt!"
Kimberly, Isabella, and Jasmine moved quickly. Fear and adrenaline hammering in their hearts, they seized the files and fled out the back door.
Kimberly's head was racing with ideas as they hurried through the pitch-black neighborhoods. Why, though, had Victor protected them? Had he ulterior motives or was he really an ally?
Once at a safe house Isabella had set up, they passed out, shaky and gasping for air.
Now what?Jasmine asked in a quivering voice.
Kimberly resolutely responded, "We go to the police." We demolish Travis permanently.
Kimberly, Isabella, and Jasmine presented the evidence they had collected to the police the following morning. First dubious, the cops' looks seriousness as they looked over the paperwork.
This is important, one of the cops said. We'll go right to work on an inquiry. That being said, exercise caution. Travis is going to come after you if he finds out you came to us.
Nodding, Kimberly felt the weight of their choice on her heart. "We get that. But we are unable to let him off with this.
Kimberly was afraid and relieved at the same time as they left the police department. Though they had moved forward, the fight was far from over.
Travis was incensed back at Blackwood Enterprises. Once word of the inquiry got to him, he knew Kimberly was the one behind it. Fury flaming in his eyes, he hurried into his office.
"Elaine!He snarled at me. Send Kimberly Dalton inside. It is now.
Fear enlarging her eyes, Elaine made the call right away. Kimberly was standing before Travis in minutes, her heart thumping.
Travis said, "You betrayed me," in a dangerously low voice. You called the police with the chutzpah.
Standing her ground, Kimberly looked him in the eyes. I followed through as necessary. Travis, you run a criminal organization. And what you have done has to be paid for.
Travis looked icy now. It is beyond your comprehension what you have just done. Kimberly, this is not over. Not by a whole lot.