Chapter 3 - Fifteen Minutes
Margaret carefully washed the blood from the corner of her mouth.
She looked at herself in the bathroom mirror.
The woman staring back seemed much older than sixty-eight.
Gray hair.
Wrinkled skin.
Tired eyes that had spent decades forgiving people who never apologized.
She whispered softly.
"No more."
Those two words felt strangely unfamiliar.
For years she had accepted every insult.
Daniel yelling because dinner was late.
Linda throwing away meals without tasting them.
Arguments over electricity.
Complaints about medicine expenses.
They had gradually convinced her she was a burden.
She almost believed it herself.
Until today.
The satellite phone vibrated again.
"This is Michael Carter."
"I've arrived outside."
Margaret looked through the curtain.
Three identical black SUVs stood silently across the street.
Several men and women in dark business suits remained beside them.
None approached the house.
None knocked.
They simply waited.
Michael spoke calmly.
"We will not enter unless you request assistance."
Margaret hesitated.
"They're still my family."
"I understand."
His answer carried no judgment.
"Mrs. Collins, Mr. Richard Collins left very specific instructions."
"What instructions?"
"If anyone ever raised a hand against you..."
Michael paused.
"...he wanted the entire truth revealed."
Margaret slowly lowered the phone.
Outside...
A delivery truck suddenly stopped in front of the house.
Daniel frowned through the living room window.
"Expecting something?"
Linda shrugged.
The driver wasn't carrying packages.
Instead...
Two photographers stepped out.
Behind them came a licensed physician.
Then a legal videographer.
Finally...
A distinguished older attorney carrying a thick leather briefcase.
Daniel opened the front door.
"Can I help you?"
The attorney smiled politely.
"We're looking for Mrs. Margaret Collins."
Daniel crossed his arms.
"My mother is resting."
"I'm afraid this matter cannot wait."
"What matter?"
The attorney removed an embossed envelope bearing a gold family crest Daniel had never seen before.
He handed over a business card.
Daniel glanced down casually.
His expression disappeared.
The card read:
EDWARD HAWTHORNE
Senior Partner
Hawthorne, Ellis & Grant
Private Counsel to the Collins Family Trust
Daniel frowned.
"Collins Family...what?"
Before Edward could answer...
Six more luxury vehicles slowly turned onto the street.
Neighbors began stepping outside.
Curtains opened throughout the neighborhood.
Everyone sensed something extraordinary was unfolding.
May you like
And inside her bedroom...
Margaret took one long breath before opening the door herself.
