Chapter 10 - THE GIRL FROM PHILADELPHIA

Naomi called the police. Then she called Margaret Hale. Her former instructor answered on the second ring. “Naomi?” “I need help.” Those three words brought Margaret to Boston before sunrise.

At sixty-two, Margaret still moved like someone who noticed every door before sitting down. She studied the photograph. “Who knows about Philadelphia?” “People in the protection company. The family.” “Vanessa?” “She hired someone to dig into my past.” Margaret’s eyes hardened.

“This is no longer rich-girl jealousy.” The girl in the photograph was Lily Carter. Seventeen when Naomi protected her. Her father had agreed to testify against a financial-crime network. Gunmen attacked them at a Philadelphia hotel.

Her father did not survive. Afterward, Lily entered a witness relocation program. Her current location was supposed to be secret. Yet someone had a recent photograph.

“If Vanessa’s investigator found her—” “Then someone else can too.” Ethan arrived with Richard. Naomi showed them the message. Ethan’s face drained. “I’m calling Vanessa.” “No,” Margaret said.

He looked at her. Margaret continued. “Do not warn Vanessa. We find out who gave her this.” The investigator’s name was Colin Mercer.

Ethan recognized it. “For what?” “Corporate investigations.” Richard looked toward Naomi. “Colin was fired.” “Why?” “Because he crossed lines.” By noon, police reached Mercer’s office. Empty.

Computer wiped. Desk cleared. He was not alone. Vanessa sat in the passenger seat of his car.

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Naomi stared at the footage. Ethan whispered, “Where are they going?” Margaret’s phone rang. She listened. Then looked at Naomi.

“Lily Carter missed her morning check-in.” Naomi’s blood went cold. The past she had spent years trying to escape had just become present again.