Chapter 3 - THE EMPTY BEDROOM
The second-floor hallway was dead silent.
Luca stood before the door marked SOPHIE.
His hand hovered over the doorknob.
"Sophie?"
No answer.
He pushed the door open.
The pink velvet duvet was uncreased.
The bookshelf was half-empty.
A floral suitcase sat on the window seat.
Luca picked up the worn stuffed rabbit.
"She packed Mr. Cuddles," he murmured.
"She asked me if airplanes hum," I said softly.
Luca strode over to the oak desk.
A pink lined paper lay beneath a glass weight.
Dear Daddy.
Luca snatched it up.
His face went bloodless.
I read the childish script over his shoulder.
She thought she was replaced.
"We need to find her," I said urgently.
Luca pulled out his satellite phone.
"Marcus. Trace every vehicle."
"Gates were locked, boss."
"Check the service tunnel!"
We rushed down the stairs.
"I'm coming with you," I declared.
Luca stared at me.
"You know her routine. Let me help."
He nodded grimly.
"Stay close to me."
Marcus jogged in from the courtyard.
"Service tunnel log shows a black van registered to Vance."
May you like
Luca's expression turned to ice.
"We're going hunting."
