Chapter 7 - The Man Behind the MaskThe police identified the intruder as Marcus Vance.
His criminal record was extensive.
Violent extortion.
Assault.
Organized criminal activity.
But detectives quickly realized something didn't make sense.
Marcus wasn't a random burglar.
Nothing valuable had been taken.
The house had not been searched for jewelry or electronics.
The attack had been focused entirely on Sarah.
Detective Daniel Brooks stood in the evidence room late that evening, studying photographs from the crime scene.
"This wasn't a robbery," he said.
His partner looked at him.
"What was it?"
Brooks stared at the photographs.
"A message."
Then an analyst entered carrying a sealed evidence bag.
Inside was a burner phone recovered from Marcus.
May you like
Brooks' expression hardened.
"Let's see who was calling him."
Related Stories
Chapter 8 - Fifty Thousand DollarsThe phone contained almost nothing.
Chapter 9 - The Father Who Lost ControlRichard sat alone in his penthouse office when the knock came.
Chapter 10 - The Child WitnessThe prosecutors needed Lily's testimony.
Chapter 11 - The CourtroomThe courtroom was packed.
Chapter 12 - The Truth Comes OutThe prosecution revealed Richard's motive.
Chapter 13 - The PleaMarcus accepted a plea agreement.
