The child was screaming so hard the chandelier trembled. His father had a gun on the table, a room full of terrified guests, and no idea how to hold a broken little boy.

The honeymoon period was shattered three days later by a revelation that hit closer to home than any rival gang could ever reach.

It was a quiet afternoon. Rico was at a business meeting downtown, and Clara was in the living room helping Leo build a massive train set.

Marco, Rico's most trusted lieutenant who had been by his side for ten years, walked into the room. He looked nervous, constantly checking his watch.

"Miss Vance," Marco said, his voice unnaturally tight. "The Boss asked me to take you and Leo to the safehouse in Long Island. There's been a security update."

Clara looked up, her instincts instantly on high alert. Rico always called her directly if there was any change in security plans. He had explicitly told her never to leave the house without his direct vocal order.

"Rico didn't call me," Clara said carefully, standing up and putting herself subtly between Marco and Leo.

"His phone died," Marco lied quickly, reaching into his jacket. "We need to go now. It's urgent."

Clara saw the twitch in Marco's eye and the glint of steel beneath his arm.

He's the mole, she realized with a jolt of terror. He was the one helping the enemies all along.

"Of course," Clara said smoothly, putting on a calm face. "Let me just grab Leo's favorite blanket from his room."

"No time," Marco said harshly, taking a step toward Leo.

"I'm not moving an inch without his blanket, Marco," Clara said firmly, raising her voice to draw the attention of the two guards stationed in the hallway. "You know how he gets."

Marco snapped. He pulled his gun, pointing it straight at Clara. "Shut up and grab the kid, or I put a hole in your head! The Syndicate is paying twenty million for Moretti's heir, and I'm not losing my payday!"

Outside the doorway, the two loyal guards heard the raised voice and rushed in with weapons drawn. "Marco! What the hell are you doing?!"

Bang! Bang!

Marco fired twice with terrifying speed, dropping both guards before they could react.

Leo shrieked in terror.

Clara didn't hesitate. She grabbed a heavy bronze statue from the side table and slammed it with all her strength into the side of Marco's head.