Chapter One

Ethan

The sun of Los Angeles was bold, golden, and unabashedly warm, and it had a way of appearing as if it dominated the city. Behind me, I could sense the bustle of the city as I pushed my final bag down the small walkway towards the duplex.

Tucked away from Melrose, it was one of those split houses, half screamed for attention with black windows and white masonry, the other half concealed by plants.

A message was taped on the front door. It said: > "Hi, Ethan. Richard Hartman: "The key is beneath the ceramic turtle.”

I had no trouble finding the key, but as I leaned...