Chapter 15 - Beyond the Golden Cage
Morning light broke over the misty grounds of Blackwood Manor, revealing the smoking ruins of the grand estate. Julian stood beside his car on the deserted driveway, watching the police vehicles slowly wind their way back down the coastal road. Mia sat silently in the passenger seat, holding her yellow ribbon in her small hands. Julian opened the driver's door and climbed in, glancing at the empty back seat where a single ivory lace glove lay resting on the leather upholstery. Beside it was a small handwritten note left in neat, elegant penmanship: See you at the next venue, darling. Julian turned the key in the ignition, put the car into gear, and drove out into the rising sun.
