Chapter 5 - The Choice
Daniel treaded water frantically, wiping the water from his eyes. He looked up at the edge of the pool.
Teresa was still standing there, looking down at him. She didn't look surprised. She looked disappointed.
"Mom!" Daniel screamed, his lungs burning. "She's chained! Give me the key! Give me the key right now!"
Teresa didn't blink. She slowly raised her right hand, uncurling her fingers. The small silver key glinted brightly under the patio lights.
Daniel swam to the very edge, reaching his wet hand up toward her.
"Please! Mom, I'm begging you! She's carrying my child!"
Teresa crouched down slightly, her face completely devoid of maternal warmth.
"That child is a mistake, Daniel," she said, her voice eerily calm. "It is tainted blood. You can still save yourself. Let her go. We will find you a proper wife from a proper family. I am doing this for your future."
"You're insane!" Daniel roared, slapping the water. "Give me the damn key!"
Teresa smiled softly. "No. Never."
"I will never forgive you for this!"
"You will thank me one day," Teresa replied.
With a deliberate, theatrical flick of her wrist, Teresa tossed the silver key. But she didn't toss it to Daniel. She threw it in a high arc toward the far end of the pool.
Daniel watched in horror as the tiny piece of metal hit the water with a tiny plink. It sank immediately, falling straight down into the primary drainage grate at the bottom of the deep end, disappearing forever into the dark plumbing of the estate.
May you like
Daniel froze, treading water, staring at the spot where the key vanished.
"No..." he whispered.
