Chapter 8 - A MOTHER'S BARGAIN
Marcus called at dawn.
I answered.
“Where are they?”
He laughed.
“Hello, brother.”
My jaw tightened.
“Marcus.”
He smiled through the phone.
“Miss me?”
I closed my eyes.
“Where are the girls?”
He hesitated.
Then answered:
“Safe.”
I didn't believe him.
“What do you want?”
He laughed.
“Everything.”
I stared.
“My warehouses. My shipping contracts. My accounts.”
I said nothing.
Then he continued.
“And Lena.”
My blood ran cold.
“No.”
Marcus laughed.
“You don't get to say no.”
I looked toward Lena.
She stood beside Daniel.
Her face was pale.
But her eyes were steady.
She held out her hand.
I hesitated.
Then gave her the phone.
“Marcus,” she said.
He went silent.
Lena took a breath.
“If you hurt my daughters, I will never forgive you.”
A pause.
Then she continued.
“You wanted me afraid.”
May you like
Her voice strengthened.
“I'm not afraid of you anymore.”
