When a Debt Becomes a Chain
Two days later, a black SUV appeared outside Claire’s apartment.
She should have treated it like a warning.
Instead, she felt her stomach drop with the same dread she used to feel hearing monitors spike in the NICU.
Inside the SUV was Vince’s bodyguard.
“Mr. Mercer requests your help,” he said, tone polite, meaning not optional.
Claire’s instincts screamed at her to say no.
Then she heard it.
A baby crying.
Weak this time. Thin. Like a match trying to stay lit.
She was led into an estate that looked like it had never heard the word “no.”
