Chapter 2 - The Station Platform
The central station was a chaotic sea of commuters, luggage carts, and flashing schedules. As the passengers poured off the train, Graham kept one hand firmly on Toby’s shoulder, held June against his hip, and used his other hand to gently guide Josie through the crowd.
Near the exit gates stood two uniformed social workers holding a clipboard with Josie’s name written on a piece of paper. Beside them stood a sharp-looking man in a dark trench coat.
Graham recognized the man instantly: Richard Vance, an aggressive corporate rival who had been trying to sabotage Vanguard Enterprises for over two years.
"What is Vance doing here?" Graham muttered under his breath, his instinct for danger kicking in.
As they approached, Richard Vance smiled coldly, stepping forward to intercept them. "Well, well. Graham Vanguard riding a public commuter train. I heard your private jet was grounded due to maintenance, but I didn't expect to find you playing guardian angel."
"Vance," Graham said, his voice dropping an octave. "What are you doing at a social services pickup?"
"I sponsor the municipal child care agency, Graham. It's great public relations," Vance smirked, looking down at Josie. "And I see you've met little Josie Reed."
Josie shrank back, hiding behind Graham's coat, tightening her grip on her cloth bag.
May you like
"Do you know her?" Graham demanded.
"I know her late mother was Clara Reed—a brilliant former research analyst at my firm before she was wrongfully terminated," Vance replied smoothly. "Clara had certain... proprietary files in her possession when she disappeared into the countryside. I’m simply here to ensure her daughter—and her mother's personal belongings—are safely placed into my company's custody."
