Chapter 3 - The Woman Who Knew His Secret
The East Harbor warehouses had been abandoned for years.
At least, that was what official records said.
Dominic Hail knew better.
Empty buildings were rarely empty.
They were simply waiting.
The black SUVs stopped two blocks away.
Dominic stepped out first.
Russo followed.
“Security team is ready.”
Dominic nodded.
But his eyes remained on the warehouse ahead.
“This was Marcus’s territory.”
Russo looked at him.
“You think he never left?”
“No.”
Dominic adjusted his coat.
“I think he wanted me to believe he left.”
Inside the vehicle behind them, Lily sat with a female security officer.
She had begged to come.
Dominic had refused.
Three times.
She had won on the fourth.
Not because he agreed.
Because she said something that stopped him.
“My mommy came looking for you.”
Dominic had no answer.
Because she was right.
Someone had risked everything to bring him a warning.
He owed Claire Carter the truth.
The warehouse door was unlocked.
That bothered him.
A trap was always more dangerous when it looked easy.
Dominic entered.
“Claire?”
His voice echoed.
Nothing.
Then—
A voice came from the darkness.
“Still dramatic, Dominic.”
Dominic stopped.
Marcus Vane stepped forward.
Older.
Harder.
But alive.
Russo immediately reached for his weapon.
Dominic raised a hand.
“No.”
Marcus smiled.
“You still trust people too much.”
Dominic stared at him.
“You kidnapped a child.”
Marcus shook his head.
“No.”
His voice became colder.
“I saved one.”
Dominic’s expression changed.
“What?”
Marcus stepped closer.
“Do you really think I was the one who took Claire?”
A pause.
“Someone wanted you to believe that.”
Dominic studied him.
“Then explain.”
Marcus looked toward the doorway.
“Because the person who planned this knows something you don’t.”
“What?”
Marcus smiled.
“Claire Carter never betrayed you.”
Silence.
Dominic’s jaw tightened.
Three years ago, he believed Claire had stolen information from him.
He believed she sold secrets.
He believed she disappeared because she was guilty.
Marcus continued.
“She was protecting someone.”
“Who?”
Marcus looked directly at him.
“You.”
Before Dominic could answer, a phone rang.
Not Marcus’s.
Dominic’s.
The screen showed an unknown number.
He answered.
A woman’s voice came through.
“Dominic.”
He froze.
Because he knew that voice.
“Claire?”
A shaky breath.
“Please listen carefully.”
Dominic said nothing.
“They are coming for Lily.”
His hand tightened around the phone.
“Where are you?”
“I don’t have much time.”
“Claire.”
“Dominic…”
Her voice broke.
“I was never your enemy.”
The call ended.
Dominic stared at the phone.
Then looked at Marcus.
“Where is she?”
Marcus’s expression became serious.
May you like
“She is closer than you think.”
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