Chapter 19
Two weeks later, the morning sun shone brightly over the grand, sea-facing estate of the Moretti family in Long Island.
High stone walls, lush green gardens, and top-tier security surrounded the massive limestone mansion.
I sat on the wide outdoor terrace, holding baby Leo in my arms while drinking warm tea in the sea breeze.
My broken arm was healing well in a lightweight brace, and the dark color had returned to my face.
My mother’s brass locket rested against my sweater, containing a photograph of her and my father in their youth.
Vincent walked out onto the terrace, wearing a comfortable cashmere sweater, holding a silver rattle for his grandson.
He sat down in the wicker chair beside me, watching Leo smile as the silver rattle made a soft chiming sound.
“He likes the sound,” Vincent smiled warmly, gently patting Leo’s small shoulder.
“He likes his grandfather,” I corrected with a soft smile, leaning my head against my father’s arm.
For the first time in my life, I knew true peace, security, and the unconditional protection of a real father.
The nightmare of Ethan, the diner, and the dark streets was completely behind us.
Suddenly, Arthur Vance walked out onto the terrace, holding an encrypted satellite tablet with a dark, troubled face.
“Pardon the intrusion, Mr. Moretti,” Arthur spoke softly, handing the tablet screen to my father.
“We just received a priority notification from the international Interpol terminal in Rome.”
Vincent looked at the tablet screen, his graying eyebrows pulling together in a sharp, sudden frown.
“What is it, Arthur?” I asked, sensing the sudden shift in the air.
“It appears Ethan had a twin brother living in Italy,” Arthur revealed, clicking a secondary dossier open.
“And he just inherited a controlling share of a private military contractor in Europe.”
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My blood ran cold as my father stared down at the screen, his dark eyes reigniting with that familiar, lethal fire.
The war we thought was over was merely expanding onto an international stage.
