Chapter 8: B: Window Shout

👉 [Previous Decision]: You chose Option B – Call a public press conference outside the window.

The sight of Evelyn and Thaddeus outside, their presence a tightening noose, filled me with dread. I couldn’t be trapped. I needed witnesses.

I rushed to the grand bay window overlooking the street, pushing aside the heavy drapes. The street below was eerily quiet, but I imagined if I could get the word out, reporters would flock.

I yanked open the window, letting in the cold night air. I leaned out, taking a deep breath.

“Arthur Pendelton is a murderer!” I shouted into the empty street, my voice raw. “He orchestrated political assassinations! I have the proof!”

My voice echoed faintly off the surrounding brick buildings. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, a few lights flickered on in neighboring apartments. A curtain twitched.

Suddenly, Sheriff Thaddeus Pendelton’s cruiser roared to life, its blue and red lights flashing wildly. The patrol car pulled directly in front of the brownstone, its loudspeaker crackling to life.

“This is the Albany Sheriff’s Department!” Thaddeus’s distorted voice boomed. “Emergency ordinance in effect! Disperse immediately! No unauthorized gatherings! This is private property!”

Any curious onlookers quickly retreated from their windows. The few people who had started to gather on the sidewalk scattered, intimidated by the flashing lights and authoritative commands. Thaddeus, his face grim even from a distance, stared directly at my window.

Arthur Pendelton’s black SUV pulled up, and Arthur himself stepped out, his gaze unwavering as he looked up at me. He raised a hand, a dismissive gesture. He had total control. I was effectively silenced again.