Chapter 12 - The Adirondack Fortress
Deep in the pine forests of upstate New York, a fortified timber compound sat on the edge of a frozen lake.
Eleanor sat by the massive stone fireplace inside the living room, sipping hot tea while two armed guards patrolled the balcony.
Julian walked in, carrying a laptop and a secure satellite phone, taking a seat across from his mother on the leather couch.
"Richard has hired mercenaries from a private security firm based in Miami, Mom," Julian informed her, opening his laptop.
"They are trying to force us into a settlement before the federal grand jury convenes next week," Julian explained.
"We don't settle with criminals, Julian," Eleanor replied, her voice filled with an unyielding steel that surprised even her son.
"Your father spent ten years building that company on honesty and American grit," she said, looking at the snow falling outside.
"If Richard wants a war in these mountains, we will give him one he won't survive," Eleanor declared coldly.
May you like
Outside, the crunch of heavy boots over frozen snow signaled the arrival of three black SUVs at the compound's outer gate.
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