Chapter 22 - Preparations for a secret transatlantic mission commence under the cover of darkness as the devoted uncle plots his most daring journey yet.
Dawn broke over the Dutchess County estate, painting the autumn foliage in brilliant shades of crimson and gold.
Julian stood on the stone balcony of his master suite, sipping black coffee while watching the sunrise.
The encrypted flash drive containing the European intelligence coordinates burned hot in his pocket.
He knew he had to leave the country quietly without alarming Elena or little Lily unnecessarily.
Stepping back into the bedroom, he dressed in a dark tactical turtleneck, wool trousers, and a heavy coat.
Elena stirred awake in the king-size bed, rubbing her sleepy eyes as she noticed him standing ready.
"Julian? Where are you going so early in a tactical suit?" Elena asked with immediate concern.
Julian walked over to the bedside, sitting down to gently stroke her long, cascading dark hair.
"I have to handle some unfinished business regarding my father's overseas corporate assets in London," Julian lied smoothly.
Elena searched his dark eyes, sensing there was more to the story than simple corporate paperwork.
"Promise me you'll be careful and come back to us as soon as possible," Elena whispered earnestly.
"I always keep my promises, Elena; I'll be back before you even miss me," Julian swore softly.
He kissed her forehead tenderly, then walked over to little Lily's bedroom to say a silent goodbye.
Lily was fast asleep clutching her golden retriever puppy, hugging the stuffed animal tight.
Julian smiled warmly, whispering a protective blessing over his sleeping niece before slipping out quietly.
He descended to the private garage, starting up his unmarked tactical helicopter parked on the helipad.
The rotors spun up with a deafening roar, lifting the aircraft smoothly into the crisp morning sky.
He pointed the nose of the helicopter toward JFK International Airport where a private Gulfstream awaited him.
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The transatlantic flight to Europe was about to launch a search that could change their lives forever.
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