Chapter 4 - Whispering Shadows
Back at the Carter Compound, the morning light streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows of the garden sunroom. Lily sat on a soft plush sofa, holding a cup of warm milk with both hands. Her eyes were still wide and watchful, jumping at every sudden sound or shadow that moved across the lawn.
Vance sat on a low wooden stool across from her, keeping a comfortable distance so as not to startle her. He had shed his suit jacket and tie, wearing a simple gray sweater to appear less intimidating.
“Do you like the garden, Lily?” Vance asked softly.
Lily looked out at the rows of white roses and the fountain bubbling in the center of the courtyard. She nodded faintly, her voice barely louder than a whisper.
“It’s pretty,” she said. “Is… is the man with the strap coming here?”
Vance felt a surge of cold fury deep within his chest, but his face remained warm and reassuring. “No, Lily. Nobody with a strap will ever come near you again. This house is protected, and so are you.”
Lily set her cup down on the table and looked at her lap, her fingers twisting the hem of her peach dress, which had been washed and mended by the estate staff. “Mommy told me a hero would come for us. But then mommy went away with the doctors, and the bad man took me.”
Vance’s heart tightened. Eleanor had been placed in a private medical facility six months ago under a false name by Julian’s network, isolated so she couldn't reach out for help. Vance’s intelligence team was already working on locating the exact facility, but they needed time to breach the facility’s security without alerting Julian’s guards.
“Your mother loved you very much,” Vance said gentle. “She tried to keep you safe. And I promised her a long time ago that I would always look out for both of you.”
“Are you a hero?” Lily asked, looking up at him with clear, searching eyes.
“No,” Vance said truthfully. “I’m just someone who keeps his promises.”
Before Lily could answer, Ray appeared at the glass door of the sunroom, giving Vance a subtle nod. Vance stood up, giving Lily a reassuring smile. “I’ll be right back, Lily. Stay here with Mrs. Gable.”
The estate's head housekeeper stepped into the room carrying a tray of fresh pastries, drawing Lily’s attention away. Vance stepped out into the hallway, where Ray was waiting with a grim expression.
“We found Eleanor,” Ray said quietly. “She’s being held at a private clinic in the mountains, two hours north. It’s disguised as a wellness retreat, but it’s heavily guarded by mercenary contractors hired by Julian’s offshore associates.”
“Is she safe?” Vance asked immediately.
May you like
“For now. But Julian’s men received orders twenty minutes ago to move her. If they get her across the border, we’ll lose her trail.”
Vance didn't hesitate. “Prepare the transport team. We leave in ten minutes.”
