Chapter 2 - THE IMMEDIATE ORDER
The low, tense bass drone reverberated through the mahogany-paneled walls of the upscale Chicago restaurant.
Marcus Thorne did not blink as he gave his chilling command to the towering bodyguard standing behind him.
"Bring him here," Marcus repeated, his voice carrying the icy weight of absolute authority.
The bodyguard in the dark green suit gave a sharp, silent nod and turned instantly toward the private exit.
Across the polished wooden table, seven-year-old Rory blinked her big, innocent eyes in quiet wonder.
She clutched her pale yellow lace dress tightly in her small hands, watching the silent efficiency unfold around her.
"Is he going to stop screaming now, Mr. Thorne?" Rory asked softly, her voice barely audible over the ambient restaurant hum.
Marcus softened his gaze just a fraction, looking down at the white notepad with its handwritten numbers and three drawn stars.
"Nobody is ever going to make you feel afraid or hungry again, Rory," Marcus promised with lethal, unshakeable calm.
May you like
The framed US flag hanging prominently in the background caught the warm amber restaurant lighting like a silent witness.
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