Chapter 3

Security guards stationed near the elevators started turning their heads, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere. Eleanor raised a trembling hand to signal them away, her eyes fixed entirely on the exit doors.
"Wait here for just a second," Eleanor instructed the child, her heart pounding violently against her ribs.
She took three rapid steps toward the glass doors, the sunlight catching the gold and ruby ring still resting securely on her own finger. The two rings were identical down to the microscopic artisan engraving on the inner band.