Chapter 3 - The Empty Pocket
Richard, realizing the sheer, undeniable threat standing before him, reached into his tailored suit pocket. He intended to hand over the cheap silver band just to rid himself of this dangerous interloper. But as his fingers brushed the fabric, he felt only the heavy, ostentatious diamond.
The silver band was gone.
"Where is it?" Richard snapped, looking at his guards.
The guard who had ripped it from Clara’s finger looked panicked. "I handed them both to you, sir! I swear it!"
Elias’s eyes darkened. He tilted his head, a predatory stillness washing over him. "You lost it?"
Outside in the rain, Clara gasped, struggling to her feet with the help of Elias's lieutenant. "Elias, if they don't have it... the lawyer. Thomas Graves!"
Elias turned on his heel. Thomas Graves, the sweaty, nervous corporate counsel, had slipped out the back entrance the moment the gates were breached. He had recognized Elias Thorne immediately. And he had recognized the opportunity.
"Find Graves," Elias spoke into his earpiece. "Lock down the city. He doesn't leave the perimeter."
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Elias walked back out into the rain, scooping Clara up effortlessly into his arms as if she weighed nothing. She was shivering violently, the adrenaline finally crashing.
"We will get it back, Clara," Elias murmured against her hair as he carried her to the SUV. "And when we do, I am going to teach them what happens when they take what is yours."
