Chapter 24
Ethan’s breathing stopped as he turned the photograph over in his hands.
On the back of the photo, written in dark black fountain pen ink, was a short message in Italian.
“Dante Moretti gave you peace, but Dante Moretti does not own the council.”
“Your father took something from us in 1999 that wasn't on the hard drive.”
“We know what is buried beneath the floorboards of the Vermont cabin.”
“We are coming to collect.”
Ethan looked up from the photograph, scanning the dense pine trees surrounding the property.
The forest was completely silent, save for the soft rustle of wind through the needle branches.
Fifty yards away, near the lake, Clara was laughing as she helped Lily off the pony.
Ethan slipped the photograph into his pocket, his hand instinctively resting on the small of his back where his sidearm was holstered.
He knew that the quiet life he had fought so hard to build was about to be shattered once again.
The past was never truly buried; it was simply waiting for the right moment to dig its way back up.
Ethan forced a calm, reassuring smile onto his face as he walked toward his wife and daughter.
“Ethan? Is everything okay?” Clara called out, noticing the sharp look in his eyes.
Ethan reached out, pulling Lily into his arms and kissing her forehead while looking deep into Clara’s eyes.
May you like
“Everything is fine, baby,” Ethan lied softly, his heart pounding a fierce rhythm of absolute protection.
“Let’s go inside and lock the doors.”
