Chapter 5 - The Bounty Call
The announcement sent shockwaves through the city's dark underbelly. A five-million-dollar bounty was an open invitation to every hitman, mercenary, and rogue syndicate soldier within five hundred miles.
Inside the Bellini estate, security was elevated to maximum threat level. Extra armed guards were deployed along the perimeter walls, automated turret systems were brought online, and all non-essential staff were sent home.
Claire sat in the central command room on the ground floor, watching three large monitors displaying live thermal feeds of the surrounding grounds.
"They won't attack the house directly," Adrian said, standing behind her with his hands tucked into his pockets. "Even Dominick isn't stupid enough to launch an assault on a fortified estate with heavy automated defense systems. He's trying to smoke us out."
"How?" Claire asked, watching a guard patrol the northern wall on the monitor.
"By targeting our supply lines, our businesses, and anyone associated with us," Adrian replied coldly. "This morning, three of my distribution warehouses were firebombed. Two of my senior managers were ambushed outside their homes. He's trying to create chaos, force my men into the streets, and create an opening."
The door opened, and Elena walked in leading Sofia, who was holding a small stuffed bear tightly against her chest.
"Aunt Claire?" Sofia asked, her little voice small and trembling. "Why are there so many men with big guns outside my window?"
Claire immediately turned her swivel chair around, opening her right arm. Sofia rushed over and climbed onto her lap, burying her face into Claire’s shoulder.
"They're just making sure the house stays super safe, sweetie," Claire reassured her, stroking her dark curls. "Like a giant castle guard."
"I don't like it," Sofia whimpered. "I want to go to the park."
Adrian knelt down beside them, taking his daughter's small hand. "Listen to me, Sofia. Remember how brave Aunt Claire was at the cafe?"
Sofia nodded.
"We have to be brave like her for just a little while longer," Adrian said gently. "I have to go out for a few hours to meet with the Council of Families. While I'm gone, Marcus and twenty of our best men are going to guard you and Aunt Claire right here."
Claire looked up at Adrian, concern flashing in her eyes. "You're leaving the estate? Isn't that what Dominick wants?"
"Dominick thinks he's forcing my hand," Adrian said, a dangerous, dark smile curling the edge of his lips. "He doesn't realize he's walking straight into a trap. The Council meeting is taking place on neutral ground at St. Jude's Cathedral. They have guaranteed sanctuary. I am going to present the genetic proof of your lineage and the evidence of his unsanctioned attack."
He stood up and checked the silver watch on his wrist. "Once the Council officially strips the Moretti family of their status, every allied family in this city will turn against them. Dominick will have nowhere left to hide."
He looked down at Claire, his expression turning deathly serious. "No matter what happens, do not leave this house. If anything feels wrong, Marcus has orders to take you and Sofia directly to the underground shelter beneath the wine cellar."
"Be careful, Adrian," Claire said softly.
He hesitated for a second, then reached out and briefly touched her uninjured shoulder. "Keep my girl safe."
"Always."
Twenty minutes later, a motorcade of four black armored vehicles sped away from the estate, escorting Adrian toward the city center.
Claire stayed in the command room with Sofia, playing board games on the low table to keep the little girl distracted. Marcus stood by the door, his hand resting continuously on the grip of his sidearm, his earpiece buzzing with periodic status updates from the outer gate.
An hour passed in tense, agonizing silence.
Then, at precisely 3:15 PM, the lights in the command room flickered once, twice, and went out completely.
The central security monitors instantly went black. The humming air conditioning stopped. The backup emergency lights clicked on, bathing the room in a dull, red glow.
Sofia gasped, grabbing Claire’s arm. "Mummy!"
Marcus drew his weapon instantly, tapping his earpiece. "Gate One, report! Control room, why did we lose primary power?"
Static screamed in his ear.
"—Marcus! They cut the main power lines at the street! Heavy vehicles approaching the south perimeter wall—"
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A loud, thundering explosion echoed from the back gardens, shaking the entire foundation of the house. Glass shattered somewhere on the upper floors, followed immediately by the rapid, terrifying chatter of automatic gunfire.
Marcus turned to Claire, his eyes wide with urgency. "They aren't going after the boss in the city! The Council meeting was a distraction! They're hitting the house!"
