Chapter 22
CHAPTER 22 — THE INVISIBLE ESCORT
The black SUV idling across the street from the prestigious Oakridge Academy looked like any other luxury vehicle belonging to the wealthy parents of Manhattan. But inside, the reality was far more sinister.
Two men in dark suits sat in the front seats, their eyes fixed on the school’s courtyard where Lily was being guided toward the main entrance by Anna.
"The asset is secure," the driver said into a secure satellite headset. "The matriarch hasn't signaled the local authorities yet. She knows what happens if she does."
"Do not touch the girl yet," a distorted, aristocratic voice replied through the earpiece. "The blue shoe has been delivered. Let Eleanor suffer in the knowledge of her past choices for twenty-four hours. Freeze the Whitmore international liquidity pools. Let them realize they are broke before they are broken."
In the courtyard, Lily suddenly stopped walking. She looked across the street, her gaze locking onto the black SUV.
"What’s wrong, sweetie?" Anna asked, her hand tightening protectively around Lily’s.
"The man in the car," Lily whispered, pointing a small finger. "He has the same ring as Uncle Alexander. The big gold one with the bird on it."
May you like
Anna’s heart skipped a beat. The Whitmore family signet ring—a phoenix rising from ashes—was unique. Only three had ever been cast. One belonged to Alexander. One had been buried with Eleanor’s husband. And the third had belonged to Arthur, which was supposedly locked in a police evidence locker in upstate New York.
Anna didn't hesitate. She picked Lily up in her arms and bolted toward the heavy oak doors of the school, screaming for the campus security detail.
