Chapter 2 - THE BLACK SUV AND THE MIDNIGHT RESCUE
The rain fell harder against the pavement.
Reflections of neon signs shattered in the puddles.
The two men standing by the black SUV blocked the alley exit.
Neither of them smiled.
One wore a charcoal coat that smelled of wet wool and gunmetal.
“Miss Vance,” the taller one said.
His voice was flat, devoid of warmth.
“Mr. Moretti requested your presence.”
“I’m off the clock,” Clara said.
She tightened her grip on her canvas purse.
“I am going home.”
“Home wasn’t mentioned,” the second man replied.
He stepped closer, closing the distance instantly.
Clara’s heart slammed against her ribs.
She remembered Julian’s warning inside the lounge.
Men like Lorenzo Moretti don't take no for an answer.
“I have nowhere to be with you,” Clara said.
Her voice shook despite her best efforts.
“Your sister,” the first man said quietly.
“Maya Vance.”
Clara stopped breathing.
The name dropped into the cold alley like a stone.
“What about her?”
“She needs specialized medication tonight, Miss Vance.”
The man opened the rear door of the SUV.
“Mr. Moretti has already provided it.”
Clara stared into the dark leather interior.
Her palms grew cold.
She had left Maya asleep with a fever an hour ago.
The prescription cost three hundred dollars.
Rent was past due.
“If this is a trick,” Clara whispered.
“Mr. Moretti doesn't play tricks,” the guard answered.
“He makes arrangements.”
Clara slid into the backseat.
May you like
The door clicked shut behind her with heavy finality.
The vehicle glided away from the curb into the Manhattan rain.
