Chapter 6 - THE NIGHT THEY CAME FOR MIA
The first attempt came at midnight.
A car stopped outside the estate's service entrance.
Two men approached the gate carrying forged work orders.
They claimed to be emergency maintenance contractors.
The independent security team refused entry.
The men left.
Twenty minutes later, another vehicle appeared near the staff cottages.
This time, someone tried to enter through a side gate.
Security detained one intruder until police arrived.
The other fled.
Elena was awakened by the commotion.
She rushed to Mia's room.
Her daughter was sleeping peacefully beneath a pink blanket.
Elena picked her up.
Mia stirred.
“Mommy?”
“It's okay, sweetheart.”
“Bad dream?”
Elena kissed her forehead.
“Yes.”
I arrived moments later.
Elena stood in the hallway holding Mia.
Her face was white.
“Were they coming for us?”
I couldn't lie.
“I don't know yet.”
She began trembling.
I looked at the security supervisor.
“Contact the police. Preserve every camera recording.”
Then I turned to Elena.
“You and Mia should leave the estate tonight.”
She stared.
“Where?”
“Mara has arranged a secure location. You can decide whether to go.”
Elena looked down at Mia.
Then nodded.
As they prepared to leave, Mia reached for me.
“Uncle Luca?”
I crouched.
“Yes, princess?”
“Are the bad men here?”
I swallowed.
“Some people tried to come inside.”
She frowned.
“Did you stop them?”
“The guards did.”
She considered.
Then nodded.
“Good.”
I smiled faintly.
She touched my cheek.
“Don't be scared.”
My throat tightened.
“I'm trying.”
After Elena and Mia left, I stood alone in the entrance hall.
The mansion felt enormous.
Empty.
For twenty years, I'd believed my home was a fortress.
Now I understood that the greatest danger had been allowed through the front door.
At dawn, Mara called.
“We have a problem.”
I closed my eyes.
“What?”
“Vincent knows we're investigating Northbridge.”
I stared.
“How?”
“Someone accessed records connected to our inquiry.”
My jaw tightened.
“Can you identify them?”
“Not yet.”
I looked toward the empty staircase.
May you like
Then said:
“Find out.”
