Page 50

The Maybach glides through early morning traffic, Sacramento's skyline sharp against the pale sky. Dennis's father adjusts his tie in the reflection of the tinted window while their driver navigates toward Kim Industries headquarters.

"The evidence is solid?" his father asks.

"Airtight." Dennis's own reflection nods back at him. "Every forged permit, every bribe, all documented."

“Good. Lancaster has enough influence to bury this if he wants to.” His father's mouth tightens. "Let's hope it's enough to keep him busy while we rebuild."

They pull into the private garage beneath the towering glass building. Camera flashes already strobe through the entrance, reporters gathering like vultures.

"Ready?" His father straightens his jacket.

"As I'll ever be."

The press conference unfolds in the main lobby—all marble and steel, designed to impress. Dennis stands slightly behind his father at the podium, watching him deliver each measured statement with precision.

"Recent events at our Sacramento development site raised serious concerns..." His father's voice carries authority through the space. "Today we present evidence of systematic permit forgeries and construction interference..."

Dennis checks his phone: 9:15 AM. Chris should contact him soon about meeting before seeing his mother.

An hour later, Dennis paces his father's office, watching the story unfold on his phone. The local news anchor's voice fills the space:

Breaking developments in the Kim Industries investigation—police have launched a formal inquiry into Lancaster & Son following evidence of fraudulent permits and suspected arson...

9:45 AM. Still no word from Chris.

Sources report multiple city hall employees are now under investigation for accepting bribes...

10:00 AM. Dennis's stomach twists.

Lancaster & Son's CEO Christopher Lancaster remains unavailable for comment...

10:15 AM. Something's wrong. Chris is never this late without warning.

The door opens. His father enters, loosening his tie. "That went as well as we could hope." He pauses, studying Dennis's face. "You're worried about him."

"He should've contacted me by now." Dennis runs his fingers through his hair. "Something's not right."

His father crosses to his desk, pulling keys from the drawer. "Take my car," he says, tossing them to Dennis. "The Maybach's too conspicuous—the Audi's faster anyway."

Dennis catches the keys, already moving. "Thanks, Dad."

"Dennis." His father's voice stops him at the door. "Be careful. Lancaster's most dangerous when he feels trapped."

Dennis nods once, then he's gone. The elevator descends to the garage while his mind races. Where would Chris go? His apartment seems unlikely, but it's the only place Dennis knows to look. Maybe Chris left some clue, some hint of where he might be.

The Audi's engine purrs to life. As Dennis pulls out onto the street, his phone stays dark. No messages. No calls.

Just silence where Chris should be.