Chapter 2 - The Empty House
The sound of the bank's heavy deadbolts locking sent a wave of pure panic through my chest.
I realized instantly that my grandfather's little joke was actually a deadly serious reality.
The bank manager stepped out from behind the bulletproof glass, motioning for two armed guards to approach me.
"Please come with me to the back room, Daniel," the manager said with a fake, terrifying smile.
I did not wait for the armed guards to grab my shoulders.
I shoved the manager backward into a decorative marble pillar and sprinted toward the employee exit.
The guards shouted loud warnings, but I slammed through the heavy wooden door leading to the alleyway.
I ran faster than I ever had in my entire life, my heart hammering fiercely against my ribs.
I ducked through crowded streets and narrow alleys, constantly checking over my shoulder for pursuers.
I needed to get home to my parents and demand the truth about Salvador's past.
I finally reached my quiet suburban street, gasping for air as I ran up my driveway.
But the front door of our house was already violently smashed wide open.
I crept inside, my blood turning to absolute ice at the sight of the destruction.
The living room was completely destroyed, with furniture flipped and glass shattered everywhere.
My parents were completely gone, leaving no trace behind in the ruined house.
I walked slowly into the kitchen, my shoes crunching on broken ceramic plates.
Resting perfectly in the center of the kitchen island was a single, flawless black rose.
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Pinned to the dark flower was a small, typed note that made my hands shake uncontrollably.
"Bring the check to the old shipyard by midnight, or you will never see your family again."
