Chapter 2 - The Sound of Falling Keys

The phone pressed against my ear, ringing once, twice, before a heavy, authoritative voice answered on the other end.

“Speak,” the deep voice of Marcus Sterling commanded.

“Marcus,” I said, my tone as cold as the December wind blowing through the cracked kitchen window. “It’s Helen. I’m at Ethan and Maya’s house.”

On the other end, there was a sudden shift in tone. Marcus was my older brother—a ruthless real estate developer and corporate tycoon who had financed ninety percent of Ethan’s startup and personally guaranteed the mortgage on this sprawling suburban estate. More importantly, he adored Maya.