Chapter 2 - Shadows in the East Wing
"Move!" Dominic ordered, pulling Elena behind him as they navigated back up the narrow, ruined staircase toward the entrance hall.
When they burst through the opened marble panel into the foyer, the estate was bathed in red emergency lighting. Sirens echoed down the grand corridors. Russell drew his weapon, signaling for two security officers to secure the entrance.
"The main power grid was killed from the master control box in the East Wing," Russell reported, checking his encrypted radio. "Comms are down. Local cell towers are being jammed."
"He's trying to slip off the property," Dominic said, his voice deadly calm. "He knows the layout, the shift rotations, and the blind spots because he built them."
Dominic turned to Elena. "Go to the kitchen. Get Lily and Mrs. Alvarez into the panic room behind the pantry. Do not open that door for anyone except me or Russell."
Elena nodded, her hands trembling, but her eyes resolute. "Be careful, Dominic."
Dominic watched her hurry down the hall before turning toward the East Wing—the guest quarters where Marcus had been staying. Accompanied by Russell, Dominic moved silently through the darkened halls of his ancestors' estate.
When they reached Marcus's suite, the door was ajar.
Dominic kicked it open, stepping into the room with his flashlight raised. The room had been ransacked. Drawers were pulled out, safe doors hung open, and paper was scattered across the mahogany desk.
On the center table sat a small black velvet box.
May you like
Dominic approached it cautiousness, flicking the latch open. Inside lay an old silver signet ring—the matching pair to the one Dominic wore, an emblem passed down to trusted lieutenants of the Vale family. Beneath it was a handwritten note:
“You were always too blind to see who really owned this valley, Dominic. Look closer at your father’s ledgers.”
