Chapter 6 - The Maid's Hidden Past**
The second intruder fired two quick shots, the suppressed pops thumping softly into the plaster wall above Julian’s head.
Clara reacted instantly, shoving Leo into the linen closet and locking the heavy brass bolt from the outside.
She pulled a heavy brass candlestick off the wall table and struck the second gunman across the temple before he could turn around.
The man collapsed onto the carpet, unconscious before he hit the floor.
Julian grabbed the third gunman from behind, throwing him over his shoulder onto the marble floor of the foyer.
Within forty seconds, the grand hall fell dead quiet once again, save for the heavy breathing of Julian and Clara.
Julian stood over the fallen men, his eyes locking onto Clara with dangerous intensity.
“Where did a maid learn to disarm a professional contractor in five seconds, Clara?” Julian demanded, his voice trembling with anger.
Clara set the heavy candlestick down, her apron stained with dark oil from the scuffle.
She met his gaze without a single hint of fear or hesitation.
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“I was a federal intelligence officer for twenty years, Julian,” Clara said softly, her voice remarkably calm. “And your father hired me to keep your son alive.”
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