Chapter One

I never imagined that one job would make all the difference.

I nearly said no when I originally got the call. It sounded like mischief wrapped in gold leaf—a private birthday party in one of the city's richest residences. However, the salary was absurd—double what I often requested and the phone caller made it plain that they weren't searching for any expertise. They were looking for me.

I said, "Yes.”

They sent a beautiful black sedan to pick me up, and I pulled up in it the night of the party. As I saw the residence, my heart pounded against my ribs. It was more than simply a...