Chapter 3: Shadows on the Perimeter
The mansion’s security feed flickered on the desk monitor. Outside, rain began to lash against the tall bay windows. At the iron gate half a mile down the private drive, two black sedans had parked without headlights.
Luca’s phone buzzed with an encrypted line. It was Marcus, his long-time head of private security whom Vivian had demoted and exiled to a satellite office six months ago.
"Luca," Marcus’s rough voice came through the receiver. "The motion sensors on the south perimeter just tripped. Vivian called in her private contractors the second she ran out of the foyer. They’re coming to clean out the study."
"I have the offshore ledgers, Marcus," Luca said calmly. "They won't find what they're looking for."
"Get Lily to the panic room in the cellar," Marcus warned. "I’m six minutes out with the local precinct chief. Don’t try to be a hero on legs that haven't fully conditioned."
Luca hung up, glancing down at his hands. His muscles burned with the phantom ache of prolonged disuse, but adrenaline overrode the fatigue. He walked over to Lily, extending his hand.
"We’re going to play a game of hide-and-seek, okay? Just for a few minutes."
May you like
Lily looked into his calm eyes and nodded without hesitation. "With you, I'm not scared."
---
