Chapter 2 - THE SENATOR'S SON
Damon had known Ethan Whitcomb since the boy was seventeen.
Ethan was twenty-nine now, handsome in the polished, empty way that expensive schools and inherited privilege sometimes produced.
He had never been told no by anyone whose opinion mattered to him.
His father, Senator Charles Whitcomb, chaired a powerful federal committee.
His mother hosted charity luncheons.
His family name opened doors.
And when doors remained closed, Ethan had learned to kick them.
Kate had encountered him near the private library.
He'd been drinking.
He wanted access to a restricted room.
She explained that the area was closed to guests.
He laughed.
Then grabbed her wrist.
When she pulled away, he twisted her arm behind her back until something cracked.
She screamed.
He covered her mouth.
Then told her exactly what would happen if she reported him.
Fifteen men.
Fifteen names.
A hospital.
Her mother.
Kate believed him.
Because Ethan had shown her a photograph of her mother lying in a hospital bed.
Taken that afternoon.
At the emergency department, imaging confirmed that Kate's forearm was fractured.
A physician treated the wound, immobilized her arm, and arranged follow-up care.
Damon waited outside the examination room.
When Kate emerged, he stood.
“Your mother is safe,” he said.
She stared.
“How do you know?”
“I spoke with hospital security. They confirmed her room is protected and that no unauthorized visitors have access.”
Kate's knees weakened.
Damon reached toward her, then stopped.
“May I?”
She nodded.
He steadied her by the elbow of her uninjured arm.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
His expression hardened.
“You shouldn't have to thank anyone for keeping your mother safe.”
Meanwhile, Ethan Whitcomb was still enjoying the gala.
He stood beside the champagne fountain, laughing with two investment bankers.
Then his phone rang.
He glanced at the screen.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“Yeah?”
Damon's voice came through.
“Enjoying yourself, Ethan?”
Ethan smiled.
“Blackwell. Great party.”
“I'm glad.”
A pause.
“Because it's the last one you'll attend in my house.”
Ethan's smile disappeared.
“What?”
Damon's voice remained calm.
May you like
“Stay exactly where you are.”
Then the call ended.
