Chapter 6: B: Hiding in the Motel

👉 Previous Decision: You chose to go into hiding until the federal authorities take notice of the bank record.

Elena emailed the bank records to several federal agencies, following up with anonymous tips. Then, I retreated to a cheap motel on the outskirts of town, waiting for the storm to break. Days turned into a week, then a second. Every news report was about Arthur’s triumphant shareholder summit, Apex’s glowing projections. Nothing about money laundering. Nothing about the severed floor.

“They’re not moving,” Elena said over a crackling phone line, her voice tight with frustration. “Federal agencies are slow. And Arthur’s legal team is formidable. They’re probably already burying any inquiries.”

My motel room, initially a sanctuary, began to feel like a cage. My savings dwindled. I had no job, no income, just the gnawing anxiety. One afternoon, a stern-looking man in a dark suit knocked on my door. He presented documents. My bank accounts were frozen. My credit cards, cancelled. A civil suit for breach of contract, filed by Apex Analytics, demanded millions in damages.

“You’re in violation of your non-disclosure agreement, Mr. Albright,” the lawyer stated, his voice devoid of emotion. “And tampering with corporate financials. We have sufficient grounds to tie you up in litigation indefinitely.”

Arthur Halloway hadn’t waited for the authorities. He had simply cut off my lifeline, leaving me stranded, penniless, and facing legal battles I couldn’t possibly afford. Hiding had simply allowed him to corner me.