Chapter 11 - VANESSA CROSSES THE LINE

Vanessa had not kidnapped Lily. Not intentionally. That was what she claimed later. She had only wanted proof Naomi’s past was “dangerous.” Colin Mercer had promised dirt.

Instead, he discovered Lily’s new identity. And then he sold it. The buyer belonged to the same criminal network Lily’s father had testified against years ago. By then, Lily was gone.

Police found Vanessa at her mother’s townhouse. She was pale and shaking. Ethan stood across from her. “What did you do?” “I didn’t know.” “You paid a man to investigate Naomi.” “Yes.” “You gave him money.” “Yes.” “You kept pushing after the party?” Vanessa began crying.

Vanessa flinched. Naomi’s voice was low. “Where is Mercer?” “I don’t know.” “You met him last night.” “He said he had something that would destroy you.” “What?” “A video from Philadelphia.” Naomi’s jaw tightened. “There is no video.” “He said there was.” Margaret stepped in.

“He lied.” Vanessa looked confused. Vanessa had been so desperate to win a social war that she had handed a witness’s identity to predators. Detectives traced Mercer’s last phone signal to an industrial district. Naomi immediately moved toward the door.

Ethan caught her arm. He released it. “Sorry.” Naomi’s voice softened. “Lily trusted me once.” “This is police work.” “She’s in danger because someone used my name to find her.” Margaret stepped beside Naomi.

“I’m going too.” Richard looked at them. “You’re both insane.” Margaret smiled. But Naomi knew Lily’s emergency protocols. There was one thing Lily had been taught to do if abducted.

Leave a pattern. Three marks. Always three. Naomi touched them.

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“She was here.” Then a muffled sound came from inside. A woman crying. Naomi’s entire body changed. Margaret saw it.

“Remember who you are.” Naomi nodded. Then they heard a man shout from inside. And a gunshot cracked through the warehouse.