Secret Warrior

th the road. Andrew Holt's confession echoed in her mind, each revelation digging deeper into her already

st about Lil

with the names and details Andrew had reluctantly provided. Some names she recognized-prominent figures who ha

d provided the financial backing for their operations, using his wealth and influence to silence victims and manipulate the l

hour was late, and the lot was nearly empty. Erica leaned back in her se

y decision she made, was driven by the need for justice-or was it revenge? The l

es, letting the mem

-

ica was sitting at the kitchen table, flipping through a textbook, w

," Lillian had said, her v

up, concerned

one to be watching. "Some men I met at a party. They... they won't stop c

er worry deepening. "Did yo

s. "They're powerful, Erica. They told me if I sa

pped open. She couldn't change the past, but she

-

nded by tall gates and meticulously maintained hedges. Erica had done her research on the way-Daniel was a high-profile figure, oft

was quiet, the kind of place where neighbors kept their distance and privacy was paramount. E

't be easy, but sh

moved quickly, sticking to the shadows as she approached the house. The mansion was massive, with

in her chest. She landed in what appeared to be a guest bedroom, the air heavy with the

home office, where she hoped to find evidence linking him to the crimes. Andrew had mentioned tha

the door behind her, flipping on her flashlight. The room was exactly what she had exp

t of papers and supplies. She found several files labeled with cryptic codes and init

with cash. Erica grabbed everything she could carry, stuffing it into her b

room, but there was no one there. Still, the un

d prepared to leave, but as she reached

Daniel Whitaker stepped i

-

his voice calm and measur

d been careful, meticulous in her pl

took in her appearance. "You're Lillian's sist

pond, her gaze l

inued. "Breaking into my house, stealing from

y out. "I'm not leaving without the truth," she said,

truth? You think you

ing you throw at me

d, and he gestured for her

-

ers and Daniel deflecting with veiled threats and smug denials. But

with bitterness. "Because we could. Because people like your sister

away. "And the others? The women you've hurt, t

re collateral damage. Others... w

Erica said, her voic

e. But monsters like

gun was hidden. She had one chance to take h

-

aged to disarm Daniel and incapacitate him with the stun gun, but

a was left to pick up the pieces. She grabbed her bag and fled

iates, but Erica knew her fight was far from over. The road ahead would be l

the horizon, Erica allowed herself a small, bitter smile