The woods were a graveyard of twisted branches and biting cold. Every snap of a twig under Ruby's boots sounded like a bone breaking, and the shadows seemed to stretch out like reaching fingers.
She was shivering, but not from the cold; it was the weight of the gold gun in her pocket and the image of Max's pale, sweating face burned into her mind.
She needed a car. She needed an edge. And most of all, she needed someone who would be loyal to her.
She pulled out her phone, scrolling past Samuel's name and the security team. She stopped at Nancy. Her personal assistant in the office was quiet, efficient, and always looking at Ruby with a mix of awe and kindness.
The phone rang three times before a groggy, startled voice picked up.
"Hello? Mrs. Byron?" Nancy's voice was thick with sleep, but she sounded like she was already trying to stand at attention.
