The heavy steel doors of the service elevator groaned as they slid apart, revealing a pitch-black carriage.
Henry turned his head, a desperate man looking for his escape route.
Julian did not hesitate. He did not aim to kill. He shifted his aim two inches to the right and squeezed the trigger.
The suppressed gunshot was a sharp crack in the silent hallway.
The bullet shattered Henry's right shoulder. The concierge screamed, his grip failing instantly. The silver pistol clattered onto the marble floor.
Julian crossed the distance before Henry's knees hit the ground. He shoved the wounded man backward against the wall, pinning him, and with his free hand, he scooped Mia up. He pulled her small, trembling body flush against his chest.
"I have you," Julian breathed into his daughter's ha
