“Stop overreacting, you’re ruining her day!” my mother hissed, grabbing my hair and pushing me over the balcony railing at my sister’s party. I blacked out. When I woke up, the upscale venue was surrounded by federal agents, and my mother was sobbing on her knees while my sister held a document and begged me…

the terrifying, rhythmic banging started.

Someone was attempting to beat our front door off its hinges.

Chapter 5: The Empire Crumbles

The banging was feral, echoing through the quiet suburban street like a distress signal. I peered through the gap in the heavy velvet curtains. A black Mercedes SUV was parked diagonally across our driveway, half-mounted continue reading …