Chapter 4 - The Shadow in the Hallway
Julian moved through the grand dining room, the crystal chandeliers above him dark and lifeless.
The emergency backup lights cast long, distorted shadows across the expensive mahogany furniture.
He heard the faint, distinct sound of a woman’s high heel clicking frantically against the marble floor near the kitchen.
Julian tightened his grip on his weapon, stepping silently into the grand hallway that connected the kitchen to the garage.
Victoria was standing by the heavy steel security door, furiously tapping a manicured finger against the electronic keypad.
She was wearing a stunning emerald green evening gown, completely out of place for a woman attempting to flee a crime scene.
"The access codes have been changed, Victoria," Julian said, his voice echoing coldly through the cavernous hallway.
Victoria gasped, dropping her designer clutch to the floor as she spun around to face him.
Her beautiful face was twisted in a mask of pure, unfiltered panic, her perfectly styled hair falling slightly out of place.
"Julian, thank God you are here!" she cried, instantly slipping back into her practiced, manipulative persona.
"The security system just went crazy, and I was trying to get out to the car to call for help!"
Julian did not lower his weapon, keeping the barrel pointed squarely at her chest as he stepped slowly into the light.
"You were supposed to be at a charity gala in Manhattan, Victoria," he reminded her, his tone completely dead.
"I forgot my diamond necklace in the master bedroom, so I rushed back to get it," she lied smoothly, forcing a nervous laugh.
"Is there an intruder in the house, Julian?" she asked, looking around with fake, theatrical terror.
"Yes, there is an intruder," Julian agreed, stopping just ten feet away from her trembling figure.
"And she just tried to inject a lethal muscle relaxant into my paralyzed son's intravenous line."
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Victoria’s fake smile completely vanished, the blood draining instantly from her flawless, aristocratic face.
She knew right then that the game was over, and Julian Vance had finally seen the monster hiding beneath her beautiful skin.
