Contents
Chapter 17
Overview
Lorenzo calls Keres with a lead tied to his father’s associate but refuses to share the name directly. He compels Keres to accept Ace and Romeo as escorts and demands daily proof that Mia is safe. Keres, lacking alternatives, agrees to meet at Lorenzo’s home within an hour.
Summary
Keres receives Lorenzo’s call about sixteen hours after leaving the church. He claims to have a name connected to his father that can lead her to the man she seeks, but will not give it directly. Keres pushes for more, frustrated that it is only a lead and not a definitive target.
Shifting the leverage, Lorenzo refuses to disclose the name and instead dictates terms: Ace and Romeo will take Keres to the contact and assist the search. He also requires daily contact with Mia to confirm her safety. Keres bristles at the control and the insult of being called a “little girl,” warning that she will not tolerate interference.
With no better options, Keres accepts Lorenzo’s conditions to keep momentum toward finding the coordinator. Lorenzo instructs her to come to his house within an hour, where Ace and Romeo will be ready to depart.
Who Appears
- KeresProtagonist; fields Lorenzo’s call, resists his control, but accepts escorts and daily check-ins to pursue the lead.
- Lorenzo MorettiProvides a lead tied to his father’s associate; imposes conditions: Ace and Romeo escort Keres and daily contact with Mia.
- AceAssigned by Lorenzo to escort Keres to the lead and report on Mia’s safety.
- RomeoPaired with Ace to accompany Keres to the contact and ensure daily communication about Mia.
- MiaKidnapped leverage; Lorenzo demands daily proof she’s safe as a condition for aiding Keres.