Chapter 3 - The Gathering Storm
Night fell over the Hudson Valley, heavy with the scent of coming rain.
Inside the estate's private security room, Enzo Rinaldi stood over a bank of glowing monitors. He looked up as Damiano walked in, pouring two glasses of neat bourbon.
"Renato cleared the Brennan issue," Enzo reported, handing Damiano a glass. "Brennan paid fifty percent. Promised the rest by Friday."
Damiano didn't drink. He stood staring at the security feed showing the servants' quarters. On the third screen, Isabel was sitting on a small bed, reading a bedtime story to Lily under the soft glow of a lamp.
"Check the mother's background again, Enzo," Damiano commanded softly.
Enzo raised an eyebrow. "Isabel Reyes? I checked her three weeks ago. Clean record. Fled an abusive ex-husband named Marcus Doyle in Buffalo six months ago. Why? Did she do something?"
"No," Damiano said, his eyes never leaving the screen. "Just make sure Doyle doesn't find her here."
"I'll put two extra men on the gate," Enzo nodded.
What neither of them knew was that the threat wasn't outside the gate. It was already standing inside the study two floors above.
At 11:30 PM, Renato Salvi stood in the darkened hallway near the study, holding a secure satellite phone to his ear. His silver hair caught the dim light of the wall sconces.
"The Vitale shipments are moving to the waterfront dock at 2:00 AM," Renato whispered into the receiver, his voice devoid of all loyalty. "Damiano will be at the estate alone with minimal guard. Move the Bellandi crew in through the eastern drainage tunnel. Burn the warehouse first, then take the house."
May you like
He paused, listening to the crackling voice on the other end.
"Yes," Renato sneered coldly. "After twenty years, the empire dies tonight. Damiano trusts me like a father. He has no idea."
