The hospital rang me and said a little boy had named me as the person to call in an emergency. I laughed because it sounded absurd and said, “That’s not possible

Back in my living room, with the curtains drawn tight, I used a hammer from my toolbox to break the latch on the fireproof box.

Inside was not art, but a ledger.

It was a black, leather-bound book filled with dates, shipping manifest numbers, and names of high-ranking port officials. Tucked into the ledger was a modern USB drive and a letter addressed to me.

Dearest Em,

If you are reading this, it means I couldn't run anymore. I am so sorry I left the way I did. Marcus is a monster, Em. He didn't just smuggle goods; he used his shipping empire to transport stolen antiquities and laundered money for some very dangerous people. I stayed to gather evidence to destroy him, to ensure he could never come after Noah.

This ledger and the USB drive contain every transaction, every bribed official, and every offshore account Marcus owns. He knows I have it. He will stop at nothing to get it back.

Please, Em. Take care of my boy. He is the best part of me. Use this to put Marcus away forever.

With all my love, Megs.

"Mom was trying to stop him," Noah said, his voice cracking as he read over my shoulder. "She told me she was going to make it so we never had to run again."

Suddenly, my phone rang, shattering the quiet of the room. It was an unknown number.

I hesitated, then answered. "Hello?"

"Emily Warren," a cold, smooth voice said. "I believe you have something of mine. And I believe you have my son."

My blood ran cold. Marcus.

"He's not your son," I spat, my voice shaking but fierce. "You're a monster."

"Let's not exchange pleasantries," Marcus replied calmly. "I know about the key. I know about the storage unit. My men saw you leave the building. Here is the deal: you bring the ledger and the boy to the pier at Terminal 4 tonight at midnight. If you don't, Megan dies."

My breath caught in my throat. "Megan? She's alive?"