The Architect of Shadows
While Lily slept, Miller sat at the wooden table with Claire, spreading out a series of surveillance stills and financial ledgers recovered from Patrick’s apartment.
"Patrick wasn't working alone," Miller said, pointing to a photograph of a luxury private yacht docked at Boston Harbor. "The vessel is named The Albatross, registered to a shell company in Panama. It’s scheduled to clear customs for international waters at 6:00 AM tomorrow morning."
"Who owns the shell company?" Claire asked.
"A broker named Vance," Miller answered grimly. "An international asset extraction specialist who smuggles high-net-worth fugitives and their dependents across maritime borders."
"Why Lily?" Claire whispered, her voice cracking with suppressed rage. "He never cared about soccer practice. He missed every school play. He spent eight years looking past her."
"Because in Patrick’s mind, losing Lily means losing control," Miller said, taking a sip of black coffee. "Men like Patrick view their families as extensions of their balance sheet. Leaving without her would mean admitting you won the divorce. For him, taking her is the ultimate punitive act."
The safe house’s exterior landline phone buzzed—a single, sharp tone indicating an encrypted incoming call.
May you like
Miller tapped the speakerphone button, motioning for Claire to remain silent.
"Detective Miller," a familiar, arrogant voice spoke through the static. It was Patrick. "I know you have them in the district facility. But you’re operating under a severe legal miscalculation."
