Chapter 5 - The Secret Ledger
The next morning,The rain had cleared,leaving a crisp,autumn chill hanging over the Bedford estate.Hannah was in the massive professional kitchen,teaching the estate chef how to make simple,comforting pancakes for breakfast—something the boys had secretly craved but never received from the high-end catering staff.
"Morning,Miss Reed," the chef greeted her respectfully.The entire household staff's attitude toward Hannah had shifted overnight from pity to profound respect.
"Call me Hannah,Please,She smiled.flipping a golden-brown pancake.
Just then,Dominic walked into the kitchen.He was dressed in a fresh dark suit,his hair was neatly combed.Although the dark circles under his eyes betrayed a sleepless night.He caught the scent of maple syrup and butter,pausing in the doorway.
"The boys are actually downstairs on time,Dominic noted,sounding truly bewildered as Lucas,Mason,and Theo walked into the kitchen,washedhack,and sitting at the breakfast island without a single argument.
"Routine and pancakes work wonders,Mr.Vale,Hannah said,sliding a plate toward the triplet.
Dominic walked over,pouring himself a cup of black coffee from the industrial machine.As he leans against the counter,His eyes met Hannah's.
"We found something in Arthur Vance's personal safe last night after the lockdown,Dominic said quietly,make sure the boys were distracted by their syrup."A coded digital ledger."It links his betrayal directly to the Moretti syndicate in Brooklyn.They're making a play to take over our shipping lanes while we're hazardous."
Hannah's expression hardened."And you?""
"I have to go into the city today to handle it,Dominic said,his jaw tightening."Which brings me to a problem.I can't leave the estate unprotected,but I can't leave you and the boys here either."
"I'm coming with you,Hannah stated instantly.
Dominic stared at her.Out of the question.We are walking into a hornets' nest in Brooklyn."
"Mr.Vale,my daughter Sophie is currently living in Queens with my neighbor.If a Brooklyn syndicate is starting a turf war in New York,the outer boroughs are going to be ground zero.I am not leaving my daughter across town while you play mob chess,Hannah said,her voice dropped into an ultimatum."Either we all go to Queens first to pick up Sophie,or I walk out that gate right now."
May you like
Dominic weighed his options.He looked at his three sons,who had paused eating to watch their father and their new nanny lock horns.
"Fine,Dominic conceded,pinching the bridge of his nose."We make a stop in Queens first.But Sophie rides in my armored SUV,and she stays within arm's reach of my head of security at all times."
