Chapter 1 - THE BRUISES BENEATH HER WATCH
“You're not going home,” Gideon Shaw said. “Not until you tell me whose handprint is on your arm.”
Tessa Brooks stared at him.
Rain streamed down the alley walls.
Her lips trembled.
For three years, she'd worked for Gideon Shaw without once challenging a direct order.
But tonight, something inside her broke.
“You don't get to decide that.”
Gideon went still.
Tessa pulled her wrist from his hand.
“I know who you are, Mr. Shaw. I know what happens when people disappoint you. But you don't own me.”
Frank, standing near the entrance to the alley, looked away.
Nobody spoke to Gideon Shaw like that.
Not twice.
Gideon studied Tessa's face.
Then stepped back.
“You're right.”
She blinked.
He removed his overcoat and held it out.
“You're freezing. Take this if you want it.”
Tessa stared.
The coat probably cost more than three months of her rent.
She didn't move.
Gideon lowered it.
“There's a diner around the corner. It's open all night. You can sit somewhere warm, or you can leave. I won't stop you.”
Tessa swallowed.
“Why?”
“Because someone hurt you.”
Her eyes filled again.
Gideon's voice softened.
“And because you've spent three years making sure I never miss a meeting, a deadline, or my sister's birthday. I should have noticed when something was wrong.”
That did it.
A sob escaped her.
She pressed her hand over her mouth.
Gideon didn't touch her.
He waited.
Finally, she whispered, “If I tell you, he'll kill her.”
Gideon's expression changed.
“Who?”
Tessa shook her head.
“Please.”
“Who will he kill?”
Her phone vibrated again.
She stared at it.
Then slowly removed it from her pocket.
The screen displayed a message.
UNKNOWN NUMBER
You have until 1:00 a.m.
Bring the file.
Or the little girl dies.
Gideon read the message.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he looked at Tessa.
“What little girl?”
Tessa closed her eyes.
May you like
And whispered the secret she'd hidden from him for three years.
“My daughter.”
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