Chapter 2 - THE RIDE INTO THE SHADOWS
The leather interior of the black SUV smelled of aged cedar and gun oil.
Ru sat on the edge of the plush seat.
Her cheap sneakers felt entirely out of place against the deep wool floor mats.
Beside her, Harland Voss held Belle in his arms.
The little girl’s breathing had grown shallower.
Her small head rested heavily against her father’s chest.
Harland did not look at Ru.
His gaze remained fixed on his daughter’s pale face.
“Driver,” Harland commanded without raising his voice.
“Take us to the private wing. Call Dr. Vance immediately.”
“Yes, Mr. Voss,” the driver answered instantly.
The vehicle glided away from the curb with terrifying smoothness.
Ru looked out the tinted window as downtown Detroit dissolved into dark, rain-streaked industrial roads.
Her shift at Gilded felt like a lifetime ago.
Her bruised arm throbbed beneath her thin black shirt.
She reached into her pocket and touched her remaining cash.
Fifteen dollars and forty cents.
Far away from any world where men rode in armored SUVs.
“Her temperature is dropping,” Ru said quietly.
Harland’s eyes snapped toward her.
Sharp.
Calculating.
“How do you know?”
“I finished my nursing degree three months ago,” Ru replied, meeting his intense gaze without flinching.
“I just haven't passed my board exams yet because I couldn't afford the fee.”
Harland studied her face for three long seconds.
He saw no fear.
Only clinical focus.
“What does she need right now?” Harland asked, his voice losing its initial frost.
“Elevation for her feet, warmth on her chest, and absolute quiet,” Ru answered.
Harland adjusted Belle’s position immediately.
He pressed his thumb gently against the child’s wrist.
“You’re calm,” Harland noted.
“I’m terrified,” Ru corrected him honestly.
“I just happen to be better at hiding it than most people.”
May you like
A faint shadow of amusement crossed Harland’s scarred jawline.
“We’ll see how calm you are when we cross the gates.”
