mist that hung low over the dense forests surrounding the Restrepo compound. Inside the ea

the iron la

en but windowless She returned to the grand mahogany entrance and tur

. A pampered exquisitely cared for captive but a prisoner nonetheless. Her ribs throbbed with a dull manageable ache t

was Sa

t straight to voicemail his apartment in the La Laureles district had been tossed when she checked it two d

fountains the quiet of the estate was suddenly shattered by t

d pulling back

gency lights bathed the concrete walls in a harsh crimson glow. Video monitors puls

marked tactical gear were attempting to cut through the heavy iron wire fencing under cover of smoke grenades. It's the Ca

resting flat on the mahogany surface. He wore a crisp d

adly calm. They heard rumors of a crash near the lower

nse team from the city? Esteban aske

ustom silenced rifle. If we call in reinforcements the city authorities will track th

lating outside. Shouted commands in harsh Spanish echoed across the c

ity she hurried back to the glass balcony do

up gravel as they accelerated toward the main gates. But it was the figure walkin

as M

es locked onto the distant tree line where smoke was beginning to rise. He looked completely transformed no longer the stoic quiet man

gh the foliage firing a wild burst from an submachine gun toward the courtyard. Bullets c

ssing her hands a

ive for shelter. He simply brought the rifle to his

t P

d weapon co

violently. The man dropped to his knees, his gun slipping from his

athing He merely gestured with two fingers to his enforcers who dragged the corp

bling uncontrollably. Her back hit the frame of t

cating atmosphere of secrecy it all pointed to one terrifying reality. But s

a wealthy businessman

nded human lives without a singl

ogany door behind her u

around her chest her knuckles turning white as

stepping inside and shutting the door behind him His hands were spotless his s

es locked on him and he stopped in his tracks He glance

quietly his baritone

ing violently as tears of pure horror welled

Isabel instinctively flinched press

ep in Matteo's chest a sensation far more agonizing than any bull

de slipping just enough to reveal the dark possessiv

wn her cheeks. You just killed a man in cold blood right out

w terrifying rumble that vibrated through the room. The men outside that wall would have taken you tortur

out his hand hovering near her face hesitated for a second, and then gently wiped a stray tear from her cheek with th

ntensity that made her breath catch you are untouched. No one hurts

ble to look away despite the fear screaming ins

dy body left in an alley six months ago He thought of the sins catching up to him rain beating

er the hum of the air conditioner, you are the o

ords Esteban knocked sharply on t

led manila envelope. A courier just dropped this off

Isabel stepping back into his co

ban said, his voice dropping The

envelope. He pulled out a sing

turning white until the paper

rom the crash site. It showed Isabel walking across her university campus three d

ograph written in dark

who she