Chapter 6
342words
At first, everything sounded normal—the clink of glasses, polite business talk.
After several rounds of drinks, Victor Morgan's voice grew increasingly sleazy.
"Dr. Winters... or should I say, Deputy Director Winters? This little nurse of yours is absolutely delightful."
"You're too kind, Mr. Morgan. Iris, be a dear and toast our guest."
"Dr. Winters, I hear the view from the presidential suite upstairs is... spectacular." Morgan's voice dripped with suggestion, his patience clearly at an end.
I heard Iris's forced, mechanical laughter.
Then Julian's smooth voice: "Iris, why don't you show Victor to his suite? We can discuss the contract details tomorrow when we're fresh."
"Don't stay up too late enjoying the view. It gets chilly—take my jacket so you don't catch cold."
Soon after, Iris's voice came through, breaking with sobs: "Dr. Winters... please... I can't do this."
"Be a good girl and do as you're told." Morgan's voice turned predatory. "I'll make it worth your while."
Enough.
I ripped off my headphones, grabbed my phone, and dialed 911.
"I need to report a sexual assault in progress. Golden Peak Hotel, Presidential Suite. A corporate executive is forcing himself on a young nurse."
I was using a burner phone, so Julian couldn't trace the call back to me.
Fifteen minutes later, my phone pinged with a message from an unknown number.
It contained a photo.
Iris Sullivan sat huddled on the floor, surrounded by police officers.
Staring at the unknown number, unease crept up my spine.
I steeled myself and dialed back.
A familiar voice answered, "Little Sophia, did you like my gift?"
It was Lucas Reed.
What did he just call me? He used my real name!
My mind reeled. "When did you recognize me?" I asked, my voice barely steady.
"From the moment I first saw you again," Lucas's deep voice replied. "Sophia, you might fool others, but not me. Don't worry—your secret's safe. Your father's gone, but from now on, I'll be your shield..."
