Chapter 7 - THE NIGHT PAIGE DISAPPEARED
Paige was leaving a job interview when the rain began.
She had applied for a receptionist position at a small medical clinic.
The pay was lower than the restaurant.
But the hours were regular.
The work wouldn't require carrying heavy trays.
And the supervisor had treated her like a person.
For the first time in weeks, Paige felt hopeful.
She stepped beneath an awning and checked her phone.
A message from the clinic.
We'd like to offer you the position.
Paige smiled.
Then another message appeared.
From an unknown number.
YOUR FRIEND ROMAN CAN'T SAVE YOU.
Her smile vanished.
She looked up.
A black sedan rolled slowly toward the curb.
Paige stepped backward.
The rear door opened.
A man got out.
She recognized him.
Donovan.
His expression was cold.
"Get in."
Paige's heart hammered.
"No."
He stepped closer.
"We need to talk."
She backed toward the clinic entrance.
"Then talk here."
Donovan smiled.
"Don't make this difficult."
Paige turned and ran.
She reached the clinic doors.
Locked.
The office had closed.
She pounded on the glass.
Behind her, footsteps approached.
She grabbed her phone.
Dialed emergency services.
Donovan caught her arm.
Pain shot through her injured wrist.
Paige screamed.
The phone fell.
Then headlights flooded the sidewalk.
A car stopped sharply.
Luca jumped out.
"Let her go!"
Donovan released Paige.
For a moment, nobody moved.
Then Donovan ran.
Luca didn't chase him.
He went straight to Paige.
"Are you hurt?"
She was shaking.
"My wrist."
He looked at the swelling.
Then at the phone on the sidewalk.
"Did you call the police?"
She nodded.
"Good."
He helped her sit on the curb.
Paige looked at him.
"How did you find me?"
Luca hesitated.
"Roman asked me to check on you after the threats."
She stared.
"You've been following me?"
"Keeping an eye on the area."
Paige's expression hardened.
"Without telling me?"
Luca looked uncomfortable.
"Yeah."
She shook her head.
"That stops."
He nodded.
"Understood."
Police arrived minutes later.
Paige gave a statement.
She described Donovan.
The threats.
The earlier assault.
And the missing notebook.
May you like
By midnight, Donovan was wanted for questioning.
And Roman Gallow knew that the danger had moved from whispered threats to attempted abduction.
