Chapter 1 - The Phantom Signature
The glowing screen of my encrypted phone illuminated the dark luxury of my penthouse suite.
I stared at the name sent by my private auditor, letting the heavy reality sink in.
Victor Vance.
He was my most trusted underboss and the man who had managed the Sterling Harbor hotel for three years.
He had stood by my side when we conquered the criminal underworld of Chicago.
Now, I knew he was the man who had intercepted Rachel Bennett's desperate warning letter.
Victor was not just stealing from the hotel's operating budget.
He was intentionally destroying my legitimate business to fund something completely hidden from my eyes.
I slipped my custom-engraved revolver into my shoulder holster.
I needed to secure the thirteen-year-old girl before Victor realized she had spoken to me.
I stepped out of my suite and moved silently down the carpeted hallway.
Emma had been placed in a secure VIP room on the fourth floor with a security detail.
When I reached room 412, the heavy oak door was slightly ajar.
My instincts instantly kicked in, and I drew my weapon.
I pushed the door open with the barrel of my gun.
The two security guards I had assigned to watch her were unconscious on the floor.
The luxurious bed was unmade, and the room was completely empty.
Emma's faded denim backpack was gone.
But on the pristine white carpet near the balcony window, I saw something that made my blood run cold.
It was a single drop of fresh, bright red blood.
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Someone had taken her.
Suddenly, I heard the faint, terrifying click of a suppressed weapon locking its slide behind me.
