Chapter 4 - The Hunt for Leo
I refused to let the crushing panic paralyze my mind.
I ordered Sarah to drive me back to my ruined estate immediately.
The police had already taped off the front door, but I ignored their warnings and pushed my way inside.
The living room was completely destroyed, with broken glass and shredded furniture scattered across the expensive rugs.
I ran up the stairs and kicked open the door to Leo's bedroom.
His small bed was empty, and his favorite books were scattered violently across the carpet.
I dropped to my knees, searching the floor for any clue as to what had happened in this room.
My hand brushed against something hard hidden beneath the edge of the wooden dresser.
It was Maria's cheap prepaid burner phone.
I turned the screen on, discovering that the device was completely locked with a password.
I quickly typed in Leo's birthday, praying that the nanny was as sentimental as she appeared.
The screen instantly unlocked, revealing a map application with a single red pin dropped on the display.
The location was a rundown motel on the absolute worst edge of the city.
I told Sarah to wait for me at her office while I borrowed her secondary vehicle to investigate.
I drove to the motel, clutching a heavy iron tire iron in my right hand for protection.
I found room number seven and carefully turned the rusted doorknob.
The door creaked open, revealing a completely empty, disgusting motel room.
My heart sank as I walked cautiously inside, smelling the distinct metallic scent of fresh blood.
A large crimson stain covered the cheap carpet near the bathroom door.
Resting on top of the blood stain was a folded piece of white hotel stationary.
May you like
I picked it up and read the hastily scribbled message with trembling hands.
The note said they had been compromised and to meet her at the old hunting cabin if I was still alive.
