Unburied (Vantage Security #6)

Prologue

The figure moved forward, closing the distance between them. “Sitting here all by yourself, little one?”

Vivi nodded up at the deep voice, unable to form words. The man's face was blurry, and she couldn't quite pull it into focus as he moved in front of her.

“You’re a good girl, aren't you, Virginia?”

She nodded, a strange sensation taking root deep in her belly. She couldn't quite explain it, but it was the same kind of feeling she had once after eating too many cookies. A little sick, a little afraid of what would happen if she were caught.

The bulky figure took a seat on the coffee table in front of her. “I seem to be missing some money, Virginia. Had twenty dollars right on the kitchen counter and now it's gone. You wouldn't know anything about that, now would you?”

Vivi shook her head, fear and something else rising up in her throat, stealing her words as he leaned closer. His features remained obscured, fuzzy but somehow still familiar.

“I think you took it, Vivi.”

Again, she shook her head vehemently, but he cut her off as she tried to speak. “It's okay, I understand. I'll keep your secret.”

One huge hand settled on her knee. “No one has to know.”

The hand slid up her thigh, and the butterflies in her belly kicked into full flight.

“Such a pretty little thing...”