Chapter 7 - Golden Cages
The Castiglione estate was a massive, walled compound perched high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean. Iron gates fifteen feet tall opened to let the convoy through before snapping shut behind them. The grounds were patrolled by armed guards and Dobermans, bathed in bright security floodlights.
Julian escorted Emma into the main house—a breathtaking marble mansion filled with fine art, antique furniture, and high-end security monitors.
A quiet, middle-aged woman in a grey dress stepped forward.
"This is Maria," Julian said. "She will show you to your quarters. Anything you need—food, clothes, medical supplies—she will provide."
"I want to call my grandmother," Emma said coldly, refusing to look at the luxury surrounding her.
Julian took a satellite phone from his pocket and handed it to her. "Call her. But use this line only."
Emma snatched the phone and dialed the Baltimore facility immediately.
"Baltimore Senior Care, how can I help you?"
"Hi, this is Emma Shaw. I'm calling about Sarah Shaw—"
"Oh, Ms. Shaw!" the director's voice came through the speaker, brimming with unprecedented warmth. "We were just about to email you! A private foundation cleared your grandmother's outstanding balance twenty minutes ago. They also paid for her transfer to our VIP private wing with round-the-clock specialized care for the next two years."
Emma froze, staring at Julian.
He stood near the fireplace, pouring himself two fingers of amber bourbon, his face completely unreadable.
"Is... is there a name attached to the payment?" Emma managed to ask.
"Just the Castiglione Legacy Fund," the director replied cheerfully. "You must have some very powerful friends, Ms. Shaw."
Emma slowly hung up the phone.
"Why did you do that?" she asked, her voice cracking with overwhelming emotion.
Julian set his glass down on the mantelpiece. "Because you refused my money when I offered it to you. But I never let a debt go unpaid. Your grandmother is safe, Emma. Now you can focus on staying safe yourself."
"By being your prisoner?"
"By being my guest," Julian corrected gently. "Until I destroy the Marcone cartel, this is the safest place on earth for you."
"And what happens when you destroy them?" she asked, stepping closer to him. "Do I just get my quiet life back? Do I go back to being a nurse?"
May you like
Julian looked down at her, his dark grey eyes softening with an emotion that terrified her far more than his guns ever could.
"We'll see, Emma," he murmured softly. "We'll see."
