Heart thumping and mind a maelstrom of contradictory feelings, Kimberly left Travis's office. Though she felt she had made the correct decision in contacting the police, Travis's threat loomed large over her. She had to be watchful.
As soon as she was outside of hearing range, she called Jasmine. Need to get together. Momentum is building.
Come over to my apartment, Jasmine offered. Safer there, I think.
Kimberly saw Jasmine and Isabella waiting, their expressions worried. What happened?Is that all? Jasmine inquired.
Kimberly related what had happened to her with Travis. He knows it was me, she replied, her voice quivering. Furious, he is.
"We must exercise great caution right now," Isabella warned. "Travis is a dangerous man who will not think twice to get even."
Kimberly's phone rang as they were talking about what to do next and a message from an unidentified number said, "You're being observed." Ignore everyone.
Her pulse was icy. Whispering to the others, she said, "Someone's watching us."
We have to move, Isabella remarked. "We can never stay in one place for very long."
Nods from Jasmine. A buddy of mine owns a cabin in the woods. It is isolated and off the electricity. There, for a while, we can hide."
They packed up and left for the cabin, which was a remote location encircled by thick woodland, early the following morning. Kimberly felt watched even as they settled in. She made many security checks of the windows and doors.
Isabella told Travis further about her background that evening as they sat around the fireplace. We were rash and young, she said. I was greatly enamored with him since he was ambitious and charming. But I soon came upon his darker side. He used individuals to get what he desired in illicit transactions.
How did you get out? Kimberly put out a question.
"It wasn't easy," Isabella said, a little dejectedly. I absolutely had to vanish. Makeover my name and look. I could not, however, see him carry on with his dread. I returned to thwart him for that reason.
Forward leaning Jasmine. We are in this together now. Keep one step ahead of him and use our brains.
They worked up a scheme to get more proof as the evening went on. They would have to break into Blackwood Enterprises and take paperwork out of Travis's private office. Though dangerous, it was their only chance to bring him down.
The following day they returned to the city in the dark. Isabella could get them into the premises through a contact she had inside Blackwood Enterprises. Nervous young man Alex was the man they met in a poorly lit alley.
I've worked for Travis for years, Alex murmured, his gaze flitting about anxiously. Though I am aware of his dubious business practices, I must have this employment. If he learns that I am assisting you.
That won't happen, Kimberly reassured him. All we need is entry to his private workspace.
Nodding went, Alex. "You have to move quickly, but I can get you in. Everywhere there is a camera, security is tight.
Kimberly felt her heart hammer in her chest as they got closer to the structure. Alex took them past the primary security checkpoints and up a little stairs via a side door. Once at Travis's office, Alex opened the door using a keycard.
Whispering, "You have ten minutes," he said. Then I have to return to my post.
Kimberly slipped inside with Jasmine and Isabella. Floor to ceiling windows provided a broad perspective of the city in this clean, contemporary office. They got right to looking through materials that might be used against them.
Going through a drawer, Kimberly discovered a secret compartment. She removed a few of the "Confidential" files and started scanning the contents. With names, dates, and quantities, comprehensive records of Travis's illicit actions were just what they needed.
We are running out of time, Isabella said.
The door groaning opened as they were ready to go. Heart thumping into throat, Kimberly saw a figure enter. The secretary to Travis, Elaine, was there.
Why are you here? Her eyes narrowing, Elaine demanded.
"We're gathering evidence," Kimberly remarked, pointing to the folders. It's Travis going down.
The way Elaine looked softened. For a very long time, I've suspected. That guy is risky. Give me a hand.
Elaine nodded when they swiftly gave her the rundown on their scheme. "I'll get you a head start and divert the guards. Send yourself now.
Kimberly had an outpouring of thanks as they snuck out of the office. Elaine's assistance might be the pivotal moment they needed.
They went over the paperwork in great detail back at the cottage. They knew the overwhelming proof would be sufficient to hold Travis accountable. Nevertheless, they had to move quickly before he understood what they had done.
We need to report this to the police right now, Kimberly remarked.
Nod from Isabella. Someone I know is able to help. A reporter that has spent years looking into Travis. She will be ready for this.
They made arrangements to meet the journalist, Rachel, a determined woman, at a secure place. Rachel got excited as they gave out the papers.
Gold, she said. Travis and his whole enterprise can be exposed with this.
But Kimberly's phone pinged once more as they were leaving the conference. A further message from the unidentified number: *He is aware*
It sank in her. "Travis is aware that we have the files. Move, we must, right now.
Hurrying back to the cabin, they quickly packed. They heard cars arriving just as they were going to head out. The cottage was encircled.
Frightened, Jasmine said, "We're trapped."
Looking around her, Kimberly's thoughts were racing. We have to work out a plan. Backdoor access exists. Suit me.
Moved quietly and cautiously, they slipped into the cabin. It blew open just as they got to the back door, and Travis's men were there.
"Nowhere to run," one of the men said with a sneer.
Heartbeat hammered in Kimberly. Both in numbers and in firepower they were outmatched. Still, she was not going to let Travis win.
I told them to take them.
Kimberly's thoughts raced as they were being hauled away. They needed to get away and present the proof to the authorities. Nothing was finished here.
The hours after that passed quickly. They were driven to a remote spot where Travis was waiting. His face was a betrayal and rage mask.
"I believed you," he yelled at Kimberly. And you pay me back in this way?In a
Travis, you are a criminal, Kimberly retorted. "Exposure is something you deserve."
Travis grew gloomier. You are ignorant of your situation. You sealed your doom even though I could have given you everything.
Bracing herself for the worst, Kimberly heard sirens as Travis lifted his fist to strike her. Lead by Rachel and her group, the police had shown up.
Put down your guns and submit!"An officer yelled.
Travis's men hesitated, but they had little option given the sheer number of law enforcement officers. When they laid down their guns, Travis was brought away while shackled, his face contorted with wrath.
Rachel walked up to Kimberly while the police were securing the area. You carried it through. Everything is here for us to bring him down.
Both relief and fatigue hit Kimberly. That's at last over.
Nods from Rachel. Travis Blackwood will be held accountable for his atrocities because of you. You have many lives saved.
Looking around at her companions, Kimberly saw a mixture of relief and incredulity on their features. It had been done. They had outlived a formidable criminal.
The tale of Travis Blackwood's collapse took front stage in the press in the days that followed. For their courage and tenacity, Kimberly, Jasmine, and Isabella were heralded as heroes. Kimberly sensed closure while they watched the coverage. They had triumphed over unthinkable peril.
She was left wondering, though, what lay ahead as she peered out to sea. Though the war was won, the wounds persisted. Though she knew the trip was far from done, she was prepared to take on whatever was ahead with her companions at her side.
Kimberly sensed hope as the sun sank below the horizon. They had triumphed against adversity. And they knew that between them, they could conquer anything as they looked to the future.