CHAPTER 4 — The Debt That Cannot Be Paid
By the time Ethan returned home that night, Mrs. Chen was waiting on the porch.
Her expression told him everything before she spoke.
“She’s still in hospital news,” she said softly.
Ethan frowned. “What news?”
Mrs. Chen hesitated.
“People are asking questions.”
Inside the house, Mia was drawing at the table.
A small picture of Ethan.
Holding a woman’s hand.
“Daddy,” she said without looking up. “Are you a hero now?”
Ethan froze slightly.
“No,” he said gently. “I just helped someone.”
Mia nodded.
“That’s what heroes say.”
Ethan sat down heavily.
His phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
He didn’t answer.
It buzzed again.
Then stopped.
Then a message appeared:
“Do not speak to media. Do not discuss Sterling family matters. You will be compensated.”
Ethan stared at it.
Then deleted it.
The next morning, a car was parked outside his house.
Not police.
Not hospital.
Black SUV.
Same kind.
Victor Sterling stepped out.
Alone this time.
He walked toward Ethan’s porch.
“You didn’t answer my calls,” he said.
Ethan crossed his arms.
“I don’t answer threats.”
Victor nodded.
“I’m not here to threaten you.”
A pause.
“I’m here to warn you.”
Ethan frowned.
“About what?”
Victor’s expression darkened slightly.
“My daughter is not safe.”
Silence.
Then he added:
May you like
“Because of me.”
That was the first crack in Victor Sterling’s voice Ethan had heard.
