Continue the story by reading Chapter Two...

The sun was setting over Miami’s South Beach, casting a brilliant orange and purple glow over the luxury patio of the Oceanfront Grand Resort.

Candice Lawson sat at an outdoor table under palm trees, wearing expensive designer sunglasses, a silk cover-up, and sipping a $30 cocktail. Sitting across from her were her mother, Evelyn, her sister, Patricia, and fifteen-year-old Wyatt, who was busy playing on an expensive new tablet.

“I’m telling you, Mom,” Candice said, adjusting her diamond earrings—bought with Gabriel’s money. “This time next week, the insurance company will be processing the claim. Gabriel’s rig was carrying heavy freight. A brake failure on I-17... there won't be enough left of him to bury.”

Evelyn, a sharp-featured woman in her late sixties with cold, calculating eyes, took a sip of her wine. “And what about the boy? Lucas?”

Candice waved her hand dismissively. “He’s a weak little loser. I’ve already set up the paperwork for Dr. Harrison to certify that Lucas has severe emotional disturbance. As soon as Gabriel’s payout comes through, I’m putting Lucas into a long-term private residential facility in Kentucky. He won't ever be a problem.”

Wyatt laughed, picking up a piece of expensive steak. “He was scrubbing the toilet with a toothbrush when we left. I told him if it wasn't shiny when we got back, I’d throw his precious silver cup in the trash.”

Patricia, Wyatt’s mother, smirked. “You’re too good to him, Candice. You should have made him wash your car, too.”

A handsome, tuxedo-clad waiter approached the table, placing a leather bill tray on the table. “Your check for dinner and the spa services, ladies. Total is $3,420.”

Candice smiled arrogantly, pulled out a black corporate card linked to Gabriel’s commercial account, and set it on the tray. “Put it on this.”

“Right away, ma'am.”

Five minutes passed. The family continued laughing, discussing how they were going to spend the $1 million life insurance payout—a new beach house, a sports car for Wyatt, and private investments.

The waiter returned. His posture was no longer warm and accommodating. It was stiff, formal, and visibly cold.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Lawson,” the waiter said, handing the card back. “This card has been declined.”

Candice frowned, her eyebrows pulling together behind her sunglasses. “Declined? Don't be ridiculous. Try it again. It has a $150,000 credit limit.”

“I tried it three times, ma'am,” the waiter replied firmly. “The terminal code says Transaction Refused - Account Seized by Order of Federal Trustee.”

The table fell dead silent.

Evelyn set her wine glass down, her sharp eyes darting to Candice. “Candice... what is he talking about?”

Candice’s heart did a sudden, violent flip in her chest. She pulled out her secondary personal credit card—the one linked to Sunrise Horizon LLC. “Use this one.”

The waiter took the second card, walked over to the portable register on the waiter station, swiped it, and looked at the screen.

He walked back, his face completely devoid of expression. “This card is also declined, ma'am. In fact, the screen indicates that I am required to retain the card and contact law enforcement if you attempt to leave the premises without settling the bill.”

Candice stood up, her silk robe fluttering, her face flushed with sudden panic. “That is impossible! Give me my card back!”

She grabbed her smartphone from the table and rapidly pulled up her mobile banking application.

When she entered her password, a red pop-up banner covered the screen:

ALERT: All accounts under this Social Security Number have been frozen pursuant to a Federal Judicial Warrant issued in the Southern District of Ohio. Please contact the US Marshal Service.

Candice’s phone slipped from her hands, bouncing off the wooden deck.

“Candice?” Patricia gasped, standing up. “What’s happening?!”

Before Candice could answer, her phone began to ring on the floor. The caller ID displayed a number she recognized instantly—Gabriel’s truck phone.

Candice stared at the screen as if it were a venomous snake. Her fingers trembled as she picked it up and pressed the green button, holding it to her ear.

“Gabriel?” Candice whispered, her voice shaking violently. “Gabriel... where are you?”