Chapter 15 - The Breach**
They moved silently through the wet underbrush, avoiding the motion sensors positioned along the perimeter fence.
Clara used a specialized wire-cutter to create a small opening near the rocky drainage culvert at the rear of the estate.
They slipped inside unnoticed, staying low against the dark stone foundation of the manor.
Above them on the second-floor balcony, a light flickered through the glass doors.
Julian spotted a small boy’s navy blue pea coat hanging over the back of a wooden patio chair.
“He’s upstairs,” Julian whispered, pointing to the balcony.
Clara nodded, pulling a compact grappling hook from her bag and securing it to the stone balustrade above.
They climbed swiftly, pulling themselves onto the balcony within seconds.
Julian pushed the unlocked glass door open, stepping quietly into a carpeted master bedroom.
Sitting on a large leather sofa at the center of the room was four-year-old Leo, clutching his stuffed bear tightly.
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Standing near the fireplace, holding a glass of scotch, was Howard Sterling himself.
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