Chapter 7 - The Shadows of Blackwood
The ballroom remained silent, save for the faint hum of the air conditioning and the distant sound of police sirens fading into the city streets.
Lily looked around at the pristine, sunlight-drenched room, at the crystal chandeliers, at the banquet tables filled with champagne and orchids.
"Take us home, James," Lily whispered, her voice cracking slightly as the adrenaline began to drain from her slender frame. She rested her head against James’s shoulder, her eyes closing as she inhaled the familiar, comforting scent of oil, iron, and rain that lingered on his dark jacket. "Please... take us away from this place."
James nodded. He reached over, took Maya into his own left arm, and wrapped his right arm around Lily’s waist, supporting her weight as they turned their backs on the grand ballroom.
They walked out through the mahogany doors, leaving behind the shattered glass, the spilled wine, and the black ledger sitting open on the white marble floor.
Outside, a black 1969 Ford Mustang sat idling on the gravel driveway of the hotel. Its engine rumbled with a deep, throaty, mechanical roar that cut through the quiet afternoon air.
James opened the passenger door, helping Lily into the plush leather seat. He buckled Maya securely into the small rear seat, handing her a worn, stuffed velvet bear he had pulled from his jacket pocket—a toy he had kept in his glove compartment for three long years.
Maya held the bear against her chest, her small brown eyes looking out the tinted window at the hotel facade.
"Daddy?" Maya called out as James stepped into the driver’s seat and slammed the door.
"Yeah, sweetie?" James asked, adjusting the rear-view mirror to look at her.
"Where are we going?"
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James turned the wooden steering wheel, shifting the heavy transmission lever into gear with a satisfying CLACK.
"We're going to the coast, baby," James said, looking at Lily, who reached across the console to lay her slender, hand over his scarred knuckles. "Where no one can ever find us again."
