Chapter 3 - Shadows in the Estate
"Security! Lock down the east wing!" Dominic barked. His voice was hoarse from three years of disuse, but the absolute authority behind it was unmistakable.
Within seconds, heavy iron security shutters descended over the conservatory glass, and two massive bodyguards in dark suits burst through the service entrance, guns drawn.
"Boss?!" one of the guards yelled, looking around in complete disbelief. "You... you're talking?"
"Catch Victor," Dominic commanded, his dark eyes burning with pure fury. "Do not let him reach the perimeter gates. Bring him to the lower holding room alive."
The guards didn't waste a second. They sprinted down the hallway after the fleeing estate manager.
I stood frozen near the palm trees, pulling Marcus tightly against my legs. My mind was racing. My three-year-old son had just removed a sophisticated military-grade jamming bug from the ear of the most dangerous man in the city—an object that had been intentionally keeping him deaf for thirty-six months.
Dominic turned around slowly. His presence filled the room, heavy and intimidating. He lowered himself onto one knee so he was at eye level with Marcus.
"What is your name, little man?" Dominic asked, his rough voice softening just a fraction.
Marcus looked at him innocently. "Marcus. Mommy said I shouldn't touch your ear, but the bug was shiny."
Dominic looked down at the tiny micro-transmitter lying on the glass table where Marcus had placed it. "You have better eyes than every high-priced doctor in Chicago, Marcus."
He turned his gaze toward me. I stood stiffly, holding my breath.
"Who are you?" he demanded, though his tone held curiosity rather than malice.
"Elena, sir," I stammered. "I... I work on the second-floor catering staff. I'm so sorry, Mr. Cray. I brought him here because my babysitter canceled, and I couldn't afford to miss my shift. We'll leave right now—"
"You're not leaving," Dominic interrupted calmly, standing back up to his full height. "You and your son are the only two people in this house who haven't been lying to me for three years."
He walked over to a secure wall panel, punched in a six-digit code, and picked up an internal comms line.
May you like
"Marcus and Elena are under my personal protection," Dominic said into the receiver. "Move them to the master suite on the top floor. Set a four-man guard at the door. Nobody goes in or out without my direct approval."
He hung up the receiver and looked at me. "Victor didn't act alone, Elena. Whoever paid him to put this device inside my ear three years ago is still out there. And right now, they know I can hear."
