A Long Road to Redemption

Chapter 53

Pierson was clearing out his office as he prepared to make his flight. Everything was nearly for his getaway. The last thing he needed to do was access the secret floor safe the police failed to find when they searched his office a few days back. Inside the safe were important documents and a large amount of cash. It was more than what he needed where he was going, but it never hurt to be prepared.

The urgency for escape was heightened by an ominous phone call he received from one of his suppliers. His former business associates were angered at the loss of product over the last several weeks. They were ready to make changes, which was never good for those on the other side of the change. Ironically, after such a long business relationship, the people at the top would so easily discard him as he had done to so many others. Such were the inherent risks in what he had done, which was the main reason he was planning on going into hiding.

Pierson removed the last contents of the floor safe when his cell phone rang. "Mr. Pierson," came Goldman's tired and haggard voice on the other end. "The cops found the cabin."

"What did you say?"

"Sir, they found the cabin. I took what I could, but they got just about everything."

"When did this happen?"

"About three days ago. I would have called you sooner, but I've been on the run, and the cell signal is nearly nonexistent. I've only now been able to emerge long enough to call. I'm going into hiding, and I suggest you do the same if you can."

"Hiding? Your job is not to hide but to do as I tell you, Goldman. Get yourself back to..."

"Sorry, Mr. Pierson, but I believe this is my resignation. Been an honor, sir, but I'm afraid this is it." Goldman hung up the phone. Pierson nearly slammed his phone to the ground. Three days? This was utterly unacceptable.

As Pierson regained his composure, he heard an alarm. Turning to his monitors on the far wall, he saw a line of cars entering his office complex's parking lot. Jumping out of the lead car was Roger Taylor. There were uniformed officers and agents from various agencies of federal law enforcement. It would take them some time to get to where he was, but there was no stopping them. He felt like a trapped animal for the first time in his life.

Trapped, he may be, but that did not mean he was helpless. He was in control of himself and those around him his whole life. Now would be no different. Pierson stood in front of a mirror on a side wall of his office. He straightened his tie and smoothed the wrinkles from his jacket. When satisfied, he returned to his desk and rearranged the files and items on the desk neatly.

The cops were through the ground floor door and had made their way to the stairwell. Pierson turned to the decanter of scotch he kept behind him and poured a glass full. No need to hold back now. Taking the liquid into his mouth, he savored the richly smoky flavor of his favorite brand. One last drink now. He stared out the large window behind his desk. Outside, the parking lot was now filled with police and flashing lights from their cars. He looked at the monitor. They were nearly to his floor.

Returning to his desk, he withdrew an old .44 caliber revolver from a hidden compartment. It had once belonged to his grandfather and then his father before becoming his possession. He hoped to one day pass it on to Lawson, but his son never seemed interested in those things. Pierson's thoughts briefly turned to Lawson and how he placed too much faith in him. Jonathan, the do-gooder who wanted to run a legitimate business from a crime family. And a stupid girl that he couldn't bring himself to destroy when he had the chance. He still had not heard from the assassin he paid, but he was sure by now she was dead. That, at least, was something.

The police were now on his floor. The door to the office was solid, and it would take several minutes for them to force entry. There was time enough to do what must be done. "Open the door, Pierson. This is Detective Taylor. We know you're in there. The place is surrounded; there's no escape."

"You fool Taylor, there is one place to escape to that you can never bring me back from." He took the revolver into his hand and pulled back on the hammer. "You will never have me, Taylor. With my last act, I defy you one last time." He raised the revolver to his head and pulled the trigger.