Chapter 2: No Way Out
Casino security rushed in, but one look at the cold fury in Colonel Harlan’s eyes made them hesitate.
“Call the cops!” Tyler yelled, squirming. “This guy’s assaulting me!”
Harlan leaned in close, voice deadly quiet. “You sold my daughter’s newborn for gambling money. Give me one reason I shouldn’t break your neck right here.”
Tyler’s voice shook. “It was just a loan! I was gonna win it back tonight, I swear! The couple seemed nice—”
“Nice?” Lila stepped up behind her father, still pale and stitched up from giving birth. “You handed our son to strangers like he was a damn poker chip!”
Harlan released Tyler but kept him pinned with his stare. “You got five seconds to tell me who has my grandson.”
Tyler cracked fast. “Some guy named Victor Lang. High roller. Paid fifty grand cash. Said his wife couldn’t have kids.”
Colonel Harlan pulled out his phone and started making calls. Old Recon buddies, contacts in Vegas PD, even a guy who owed him favors from Desert Storm. Within an hour, they had an address.
At the luxury villa outside the city, Victor Lang opened the door with a smug smile — until he saw the Marine standing there with Lila.
“Where’s the boy?” Harlan demanded.
Victor tried to close the door. “This is a legal adoption. Papers are signed.”
Lila pushed forward. “He’s my son! Tyler had no right!”
Victor’s wife appeared holding the sleeping baby. “We paid good money. This is our child now.”
Harlan’s voice stayed calm but terrifying. “Hand him over. Or I’ll make sure every dirty deal you’ve ever done gets dragged into the light.”
May you like
Victor laughed nervously. “You don’t scare me, old man.”
But his wife looked at the baby and hesitated. “Victor… maybe we should—”
