Chapter 21 - A Midnight Knock That Portends A Much Darker Threat
Months passed in unbroken peace, bringing stability back to the DeLuca empire and warmth back into the sprawling stone mansion.
The federal indictments against the Marinos syndicate went through smoothly, locking away their leadership for the rest of their natural lives.
Sophia and little Emma lived comfortably on the estate grounds, the terrifying events of the freight yards fading into a distant memory.
Bruno grew healthy and strong again, chasing squirrels across the lawn with the reckless energy of his puppy days.
Lorenzo and Isabella sat together by the fireplace late one Friday night, sharing a quiet moment of domestic tranquility after a long week.
Suddenly, the grand bronze knocker on the front heavy oak door struck three slow, deliberate times against the wood.
Lorenzo froze, exchanging a sharp, questioning look with Isabella as the clock in the hallway chimed midnight.
Mason hurried into the study a moment later, his expression grim and pale as he clutched a sealed manila envelope in his hand.
“Boss,” Mason said quietly, walking straight up to the desk. “The gate cameras just captured something outside the perimeter fence.”
Lorenzo stood up slowly, his eyes locking onto the envelope in his security chief's hand.
May you like
“What is it?” Lorenzo demanded, his voice dropping into a dangerous register.
“A courier dropped off a package bearing a federal seal,” Mason replied, laying the envelope down on the mahogany wood. “And inside isn't a subpoena... it’s a photograph of Isabella taken less than an hour ago.”
