Chapter 31 - THE SHADOW OVERSEAS
Deep in the predawn darkness of New Year's Day, an encrypted satellite telephone buzzed silently on Mark’s study desk.
The screen lit up with an incoming international call originating from a secure offshore server in Zurich, Switzerland.
The automated voicemail system picked up after four rings, recording a deep, distorted voice whispering through the static.
"Jonathan Sterling was only a regional manager... the global network is still intact, Mr. Vance."
"We are watching your family from across the sea, and our game has only just begun."
The recorded message ended with a cold, mechanical click, leaving only the sound of empty silence on the line.
Back upstairs in the master bedroom, Mark stirred slightly in his sleep, turning over to pull Sarah closer to his chest.
Downstairs in the dark foyer, the framed American flag hung motionless beneath the quiet shadows of the winter night.
May you like
The house remained completely still, unaware of the new storm gathering silently on the other side of the world.
And deep within the basement archive box, the classified papers rested quietly, waiting for the next chapter to unfold.
