Chapter 9 - THE PRICE OF A CHILD|
Adrian's estate became a war room within minutes.
Security teams searched the gardens, surrounding roads, garages, and neighboring properties. Helicopters were sent toward the harbor. Every camera within five miles was being reviewed.
Elena stood in the middle of the hallway, staring at the empty bedroom.
"They took her because of me."
Adrian turned sharply.
"No."
"The note says they want me."
"They want leverage. That's not the same thing."
"She's six years old."
"I know exactly how old my daughter is."
His voice cracked on the final word.
For the first time, Elena understood that the terrifying man everyone feared was standing on the edge of losing the only person he had left.
Margaret approached with a tablet.
"Sir, we found a vehicle leaving the east gate. It belonged to a contractor."
"Name?"
"Peter Lawson. He worked for Victor Hale."
Adrian's jaw tightened.
"Find him."
Elena looked at the note again.
"They specifically asked for me."
"You're not going."
"What if they hurt her because I don't?"
Adrian stepped close.
"If you walk into a trap, they'll have two people to use against me instead of one."
"Then we need to make them think I'll come."
He stared at her.
"You're not trained for this."
"No. But I know what it feels like to be powerless, and I'm not going to stand here while a little girl waits for someone to save her."
Margaret touched Elena's shoulder.
"She's right about one thing. They won't wait long."
Adrian turned toward his security chief.
"Get me every phone number connected to Victor. Find his family, his associates, his bank accounts. I want the city closed."
An hour later, a message arrived on Elena's phone.
A photograph of Isabella sitting in a dark room.
Her hands were tied, but she appeared unharmed.
The message contained a location: an old warehouse near the river.
Come before midnight. No police. No security.
Elena showed Adrian.
He immediately shook his head.
"No."
"They'll know if I don't come."
"Then we'll send someone who looks like you."
"They asked for me, not a disguise."
Adrian took the phone.
"I'll go."
"They said they wanted me."
"Then I'll be the one they get."
Elena shook her head.
"That's exactly what they expect. They want you to arrive angry and alone."
He looked at her.
"How do you know?"
"Because whoever planned this has been watching us. They know you don't let anyone threaten your daughter. They know you'll ignore every sensible plan to get her back."
Adrian said nothing.
Elena looked at the photograph.
"Can you trace the message?"
The security chief nodded.
"Not yet. It's routed through several temporary servers."
"Then use the picture. Look at the background."
He enlarged the image.
A rusted pipe ran along the wall. A broken clock hung above a metal door. On the floor was a patch of blue paint.
Elena recognized it.
"The old ferry terminal."
Adrian looked at her.
"How?"
"I worked nearby. The city painted the walls blue before the terminal closed. That clock is still there."
The security chief checked the location.
"She's right."
Adrian turned to his men.
"We go in through the south entrance. Two teams on the roof. Nobody fires unless they see Isabella."
Elena looked at him.
"I'm coming."
"No."
"Then you won't know what they want."
He studied her face.
"You're not a hostage."
"I'm not asking to be."
He finally nodded.
"Stay behind me."
They reached the terminal at 11:38.
The building was dark except for one light near the loading dock. Adrian's men moved silently through the side entrance.
A voice came from the speakers.
"Adrian Corsetti. You brought the waitress."
A figure stepped into the light.
It was Victor Hale.
His face was bruised, but he held a gun.
"Where is my daughter?" Adrian asked.
Victor smiled.
"Safe. For now."
"Show me."
Victor pointed toward a metal door.
"First, I want the woman."
Elena stepped forward.
Adrian caught her wrist.
"Don't."
Victor laughed.
"You still don't understand, do you? She isn't the reason I took the child."
May you like
He raised the gun toward Elena.
"She's the reason Sophia died."
