Ryan Blackwood sat in his private office, fingers drumming on the mahogany desk. Across from him sat James Mitchell, the best private investigator money could buy.
"Tell me what you found," Ryan said.
Mitchell opened a thin folder. Too thin. "Marcus Chen. Age twenty-eight. Married to Diana Wilson three years ago. And that's where the trail ends."
Ryan leaned forward. "What do you mean, ends?"
"I mean there's nothing before that. No employment records. No bank accounts. No credit history. No social media presence. No school records I can access." Mitchell looked uncomfortable. "It's like he appeared out of nowhere three years ago."
"Everyone comes from somewhere."
"I know. That's what makes this strange." Mitchell flipped through his notes. "I've been doing this for fifteen years. I'v
