Chapter 2 - The Missing Mother
Julian did not waste a single millisecond asking questions.
He drew his own weapon and fired a warning shot directly into the dirt at Bennett's feet.
The loud crack of the unsilenced gunshot shattered the quiet afternoon.
Bennett flinched violently, throwing his aim off just enough for Julian to act.
Julian dove across the courtyard, sweeping Elsie into his left arm while keeping his gun raised.
"Rex, guard!" Julian commanded with a voice like cracking thunder.
The massive dog threw his entire seventy-pound weight against Bennett's chest.
Bennett crashed backward into the low hedges, screaming as the dog's jaws clamped down on his forearm.
Julian did not wait to see if his former friend survived the brutal attack.
He sprinted toward the west hall with the terrified toddler pressed tightly against his chest.
Elsie did not cry, but her small hands gripped the fabric of his shirt with desperate strength.
Julian kicked the heavy oak door open and scanned the luxurious hallway.
The corridor was completely empty, and the usual security guards were nowhere to be seen.
"Camille!" Julian shouted, his heart pounding violently against his ribs.
There was no answer from the kitchen or the laundry room.
He rushed into the supply closet where Camille usually kept her cleaning equipment.
The heavy rolling cart was overturned, and a fresh streak of blood stained the white tiles.
A cold wave of absolute dread washed over Julian's entire body.
He heard the heavy, synchronized footsteps of multiple men entering the front of the mansion.
Bennett had not come alone; he had brought a fully armed hit squad.
Julian looked down at the little girl in his arms.
Elsie reached into her wet dress pocket and pulled out her broken stub of green crayon.
May you like
She pointed the crayon silently toward the hidden servant's passage located behind the pantry shelves.
Julian pushed the concealed door open and stepped into the pitch-black tunnel just as heavily armed men stormed the kitchen.
