Chapter 5
That night, I called my father.
He was still stationed at Fort Hood. We spoke every Sunday.
I told him everything. The stalker. The Vance brothers. Arthur Vance's offer.
He was quiet for a long time.
"Arthur Vance is dangerous," Dad said. "Powerful. And ruthless. But he's also fair. In his own way."
"Should I take the job?"
"I taught you to fight so you could protect people," he said. "Not so you could work for the richest man in the county. But... sometimes the best way to change things is from the inside."
"So you think I should?"
"I think you should do what your heart tells you," he said. "And remember one thing. No matter who you're working for... you answer to your own conscience first."
I hung up feeling clearer.
Two days later, I walked into Arthur Vance's office.
"I'll take the job," I said. "On three conditions."
He raised an eyebrow. "Conditions?"
"One: I answer to you only. No one else gives me orders. Two: I protect people. All people. Not just your family. Three: If I see something wrong, I get to say it. And fix it."
He smiled. A genuine, rare smile.
"You drive a hard bargain. But I accept."
He handed me a folder.
"Your first assignment," he said. "My daughter. Lila. She's coming home from college tomorrow. And someone has been sending her threats."
I opened the folder. Photos. Letters. Printed emails.
May you like
"Who?"
"I don't know," he said. "That's why I need you. Find out. And keep her safe."
