Chapter 7 - The Hidden Mark
Ethan tightened his grip on the gold pendant, the veins standing out across the back of his hand. Under the amber glow of the streetlight, a delicate, S-shaped engraving became visible on the back of the antique piece.
Claire stared at the mark. Her breathing grew so ragged that each exhale formed a cloud in the cold night air.
"Tell me the truth, Claire!" Ethan demanded, lowering his voice. Every word carried a quiet, dangerous intensity. "This pendant is the only thing my father left me before he disappeared ten years ago. How the hell do you know about it?"
Claire took a step back until her shoulders pressed against the moss-covered brick wall.
She glanced at Lily, who was beginning to drift off in the warmth of Ethan's arms. Then she looked up at him, her eyes filling with tears.
"You think your father simply disappeared, Ethan?" she whispered, a bitter smile crossing her lips. "That necklace isn't a keepsake."
She swallowed hard.
"It's a key."
Ethan froze.
At that exact moment, a black sedan rolled slowly into the alley with its headlights off. Its dim running lights reflected off the rain-soaked pavement.
The color drained from Claire's face.
May you like
She grabbed Ethan's sleeve, her voice trembling.
"They found me. If you want to know the truth about your father—and that baby—RUN!"
