Chapter 3 - Someone Inside the House
Emergency lights flooded the hallway red.
Adrian moved instantly.
“Lock the second floor.”
His men spread out.
I pulled Leo away from the window.
“Stay down.”
A dark vehicle reversed from the gate and disappeared into the rain.
Nobody got inside.
That was almost worse.
They had wanted Adrian to know they could reach him.
Minutes later, the backup generator restored power.
Adrian found me sitting on the floor with Leo against my chest.
His jaw tightened.
“He needs sleep.”
“He’s scared.”
“So am I.”
The words slipped out before I could stop them.
Adrian looked at me.
For once, he had no cold response.
Leo eventually fell asleep.
I carried him to bed.
When I turned, Adrian stood in the doorway.
“You’re good with him.”
“I had a younger brother.”
“Had?”
I looked away.
“He died when I was seventeen.”
Adrian didn’t ask how.
I appreciated that.
Instead, he said, “Leo’s mother died three years ago.”
“I’m sorry.”
“He remembers almost nothing about her.”
I looked at the sleeping boy.
“That explains why he grabbed onto me.”
“No.”
I turned.
Adrian was watching me.
“He’s had nannies. Teachers. Family. He doesn’t attach easily.”
“Maybe he likes diner uniforms.”
That almost made Adrian smile.
Then his phone rang.
The moment ended.
“Yes?”
His expression hardened.
“Where?”
He listened.
“I’m coming.”
I stepped forward.
“Anthony?”
Adrian nodded.
“They found him.”
“Alive?”
“Yes.”
“Can he explain what happened?”
“We’ll see.”
He started away.
“Adrian.”
He stopped.
It was the first time I had used his first name.
“Bring him back alive.”
His eyes narrowed.
“Why?”
“Because Leo needs answers more than you need revenge.”
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then he said quietly, “You have an unusual amount of courage for someone who keeps reminding me she serves pancakes.”
“Tips are terrible. You learn to negotiate.”
He left.
Two hours later, Adrian returned with Anthony.
The man looked exhausted and terrified.
No one had beaten him.
I was relieved.
Adrian brought him into the study.
I wasn’t invited.
I went anyway.
Anthony stared at me.
“That’s her.”
Adrian looked sharply at him.
“You know Willa?”
“No. But I saw her.”
“Where?”
“The alley.”
My blood chilled.
Anthony raised both hands.
“I didn’t hurt Leo.”
“Then explain.”
Anthony swallowed.
“A woman paid me to drive Leo away from the party.”
“Name.”
“I never knew it.”
“You expect me to believe that?”
“She contacted me through burner phones. She knew about my gambling debts.”
Adrian’s voice became colder.
“You sold my son because you owed money?”
“No! I was supposed to drive him twenty minutes and leave him at a hotel. That’s all.”
“Why was he bleeding in an alley?”
Anthony looked confused.
“He woke up in the car. Started screaming. I stopped near the diner. He kicked the door open and ran.”
“And you let a six-year-old run into a storm?”
“I chased him!”
Anthony pointed at his own forehead.
“He threw a brick at me.”
Despite everything, I looked toward Adrian.
“Your kid has good instincts.”
Adrian gave me a look.
Anthony continued.
“I lost him between buildings. Then another car arrived.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know. I panicked and ran.”
Adrian leaned forward.
“Describe the woman.”
“I never met her.”
My stomach sank.
Then Anthony added, “But I heard her voice once.”
Adrian froze.
“When?”
“She called while Leo was in the car.”
“What did she say?”
Anthony hesitated.
“She said, ‘Make sure my nephew disappears before Adrian learns the truth.’”
Nephew.
Adrian went completely still.
I looked at him.
“How many sisters do you have?”
“One.”
“Blonde?”
“No.”
Anthony shook his head.
“Boss…”
Adrian looked at him.
“I think she meant her nephew.”
“Meaning?”
Anthony swallowed.
“I don’t think she was talking about Leo.”
A voice came from the doorway.
“Maybe he wasn’t.”
We turned.
A beautiful blonde woman stood there wearing a cream coat.
Adrian’s face darkened.
“Victoria.”
She smiled.
May you like
“Hello, brother.”
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