Chapter 6 - THE SERVICE ELEVATOR
Nathan reached the hospital before the police finished locking down the floor.
The service elevator opened into an underground garage.
One wheel still turning.
Ellis crouched beside it.
“There’s blood.”
Nathan’s stomach dropped.
A small smear marked the armrest.
“Nathan.”
“Where is she?”
“Where is Grace?”
“You’re accusing me of kidnapping now?”
“I saw the bracelet.”
“My family has sold thousands of those.”
“Don’t.”
“You were supposed to marry me in two weeks.”
“You hit a child.”
“I never hit Lily.”
“You were about to.”
“That maid ruined everything.”
“Maid?”
Victoria realized the word had slipped out.
Nathan said, “You knew Grace before she worked for me.”
“Good. Keep making her talk.”
They searched the garage.
A traffic camera caught a black sedan leaving nine minutes after Grace disappeared.
Registered to Mercer Holdings.
The driver was Victoria’s father, Conrad Mercer.
Conrad had toasted him at his engagement party.
Ellis issued a warrant request.
Then Nathan’s phone buzzed.
An abandoned country club outside the city.
COME ALONE IF YOU WANT GRACE ALIVE.
Ellis read over his shoulder.
“No.”
“She’s hurt.”
“That’s why you don’t go alone.”
“My family has judges, attorneys, police donors.”
“You think I’m bought?”
“I think everyone around me has been lying for five years.”
“Then don’t make the mistake of trusting yourself more than evidence.”
Nathan hated that she was right.
They went with tactical officers.
The country club had been closed for seven years.
Inside the ballroom, they found a chair.
And Grace’s maid apron.
Then a speaker crackled overhead.
Conrad Mercer’s voice filled the room.
“You always were emotional, Nathan.”
“Where is she?”
“Safe for now.”
“Why?”
“Because you found something your father worked very hard to bury.”
Nathan’s eyes burned.
“My daughter.”
May you like
“No.”
“Your inheritance.”
