CHAPTER 7 – Richard's Last Warning
Richard Sloan never looked back as security escorted him toward the elevator.
Just before the doors closed, he smiled.
It wasn't the smile of a defeated man.
It was the smile of someone who knew a secret no one else did.
Grant stood motionless.
"What did he mean?" one director whispered.
Grant ignored the question.
Instead, he called his security chief.
"I want Richard followed every second."
"Already done, sir."
"And double the protection around Claire and the boys."
The call ended.
Less than ten minutes later, another phone rang.
The security chief.
His voice was shaking.
"Sir... we've lost him."
Grant frowned.
"What do you mean, you've lost him?"
"The escort vehicle reached downtown, but Richard never arrived at the holding facility."
Grant's heart skipped.
"How is that possible?"
"There was an accident inside the tunnel."
"What kind of accident?"
The answer chilled everyone in the boardroom.
"The transport vehicle was empty."
Grant's eyes widened.
"What?"
"The officers were unconscious. Richard disappeared."
At that exact moment, Claire called.
Her voice was barely a whisper.
"Grant... someone's inside the house."
Grant didn't hesitate.
"I'm coming."
He raced through Dallas traffic, ignoring every speed limit.
When he reached the townhouse, police cars already surrounded the neighborhood.
The front door stood open.
Nothing had been stolen.
Nothing had been broken.
Except for one thing.
The framed family photograph Claire had taken only a week earlier.
It was gone.
In its place sat a small velvet box.
Inside...
was one tiny silver baby bracelet.
Engraved with only one word.
Lucas.
Claire stared at it in horror.
"That bracelet disappeared from the hospital the night he was born."
Grant slowly closed the box.
Someone had been there.
May you like
Not to steal.
But to send a message.
