Chapter 11 - The Father Returns
Chicago woke up to chaos.
By sunrise, Dominic Mercer was officially declared missing.
His father's organization released a statement claiming Dominic had become unstable and dangerous.
Valerie appeared on television.
She cried.
She told reporters she still loved him.
Norah watched the interview from a safe house.
“She looks convincing,” Lily whispered.
Norah nodded.
“She always has.”
Lily sat beside her.
“You think Dominic is dead?”
“No.”
“How do you know?”
“Because if Dominic were dead, they'd want us to know.”
Lily frowned.
“That's terrifying.”
“It is.”
The door opened.
Dominic entered.
Norah jumped up.
“You're alive.”
“Barely.”
He had a cut across his cheek.
Norah approached him.
“Where were you?”
“Finding out who betrayed me.”
“And?”
He looked at her.
“Everyone.”
Norah stared.
He handed her a folder.
Inside were photographs.
His father.
Valerie.
Several judges.
Two police commanders.
And Norah's biological parents.
“They're all connected.”
“How?”
“Your father discovered the money trail.”
“Then why did they let me live?”
“Because your mother threatened to expose them.”
Norah looked up.
“What happened to her?”
Dominic's eyes hardened.
“She was murdered.”
Norah closed her eyes.
“Who?”
“We don't know yet.”
Dominic sat.
“My father claims he ordered it.”
“Do you believe him?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because he lies badly.”
Norah almost smiled.
Then Dominic's expression softened.
“I need you to leave Chicago.”
“No.”
“Norah.”
“No.”
“You're not a soldier.”
“Neither are you.”
“I am.”
“No. You're a man who's been fighting his whole life.”
He stared at her.
“You should be afraid of me.”
“I am.”
“Then why stay?”
Norah looked at him.
“Because you're the first powerful man I've ever met who didn't ask me to kneel.”
Silence.
Dominic's eyes softened.
He reached for her hand.
Then stopped himself.
His phone rang.
He answered.
“Mercer.”
A voice spoke.
Dominic's face changed.
“What did you say?”
He looked at Norah.
“It's Valerie.”
“What does she want?”
May you like
“She has Lily.”
Norah's blood turned cold.
